THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (11/5/11)

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

Thoughts for the Week:

“The 10 Commandments are not multiple choices.”
“If you change the way you look at things; the things you look at change!”


November:

National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
National Marrow Awareness Month

1. EDITORIAL –“GET OVER IT”:

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

“Get over it” is a phrase used to get people to accept what has become a reality. It's an especially useful phrase when an event or events are not likely to be reversed. I suspect that as Jim Crow laws were overturned there were probably some bigoted white Americans who lamented the laws that gave equality to blacks and other minorities.

As the country changed, I am sure that some of the folks who resisted change and longed for “the good old days” must have been told by some of their more enlightened families and friends to "get over it!" The days of the separate water fountains and other overt negatives racial practices were over.

Other "get over it" examples include, "technology is not going to be reversed; there will be more technology, not less." "The price of gasoline will not go down." "Diversity is here to stay; the days of an America being defined in terms of ‘black and white’ are gone." "Global warming is a reality." And there are many other examples of "get over it" realities.

The church universal has some "get over it" realities; and the African Methodist Episcopal Church has some "get over it" realities too. One such "get over it" reality in the AME Church is the reality and presence of women in ministry.

There are some people in the African Methodist Episcopal Church who need to be told to "get over it" as it relates to women in ministry. There are some individuals, both clergy and laity and some church congregations, too, who struggle with women clergy. It's past time for those persons and congregations to "get over it."

I am not sure what all the struggle is about concerning female clergy because, in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, women have always played a leadership role in the life of the AME Church, long before we had women clergy, female general officers, and women bishops.

And it's noteworthy that the African Methodist Episcopal Church had three elected and consecrated bishops before the AME Zion Church and CME Church had elected their first female bishop. The African Methodist Episcopal Church has three female bishops; Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Bishop Sarah Francis Davis; while the CME Church and the AME Zion Church each have one female Bishop.

There are some denominations that still resist women in ministry and some denominations have rules forbidding women to serve as clergy; the AME Church is not one of those organizations.

Women are making great strides around the world. They are leaders in government, in education, in the military and some women have served as heads of state. In corporate America, women are serving in executive positions of leadership.

In the United States some of our mainline seminaries would close their doors if all of the women withdrew as students. Women are among the most educated clergy and this is true in the AME Church as well. I have not done a formal study, but I suspect proportionately the educational level of women is higher than that of men.

Women in ministry face professional challenges. Qualified women are not routinely appointed to top- tier pastoral appointments and in some annual conferences, qualified women clergy have not been elevated to the office of presiding elder. Some male clergy still struggle with accepting female clergy as professional colleagues; and the “playing field” is not level for women in ministry; they still suffer discrimination because of their gender. All of that, not withstanding; it’s time “to get over it.”

I wish attitudinal changes were as simple as saying the phrase, "Get over it," but it's not. As with the race issue in the United States and the current issue of adjusting to the increased presence of Islam in America, "get over it" includes accommodating and accepting new ways of thinking.

A changing situation requires mental adjustment and a change of attitude because the reality has changed. For instance, there is a difference between summer and winter. The attitude one has about dressing in the winter is different than the attitude one has about dressing in the summer. It would be uncomfortable for one to dress in the summer as one did in the winter; the mind and the body adjusts to the environment.

Generally speaking, women pastors bring a different dimension to the pastoral ministry and local churches need to understand the different dynamics women bring.

Local churches should expect that women pastors might have a higher level of education and therefore might address pastoral issues differently. Women pastors might require more detail when tasks are assumed and reports given. Women pastors probably would not refer to female parishioners as, "baby, darling, or sweetheart,” and it would be just as inappropriate for women clergy to address males in that manner.

Male pastors, on the other hand, within limits, in the past, have been successful in using endearing terms to motivate parishioners of the opposite sex. Of course, in the current climate of the sensibilities of sexual misconduct, clergy, especially men, have to be careful in how they relate to church members of the opposite sex. Generally speaking, women clergy do not bring those “challenges to the pastoral table.”

We function in a world and profession dominated by men; and this is especially so, in the church.

Women know this and they might bring higher competencies “to the table” because they know that being a woman; they have to be better. The same was, and is true even today; when blacks "crack the glass ceiling” in white professions; they have to be better. An average, or below average, black does not “crack glass ceilings.”

I think congregations should expect women pastors to be more detailed, no-nonsense, and to ask more questions because women know they have to be better than average. People who “crack glass ceilings” have to be thorough and they learn to “cover every base”; and few things are “left to chance.”

The presence of women is a reality and women in ministry are not going anywhere; they are committed to ministry and they are committed to the life of the AME Church.

There is more to said on this issue

Women clergy can address these issues in more depth than I am attempting to do; and I hope that some of the women in ministry will help the AME Church deal with the issues of the increased presence of women in ministry. They can so by writing op-ed and other articles because women clergy are here to stay; they are not going anywhere; and the AME Church, its clergy and laity, local church congregations, both men and women need to accept the reality of their presence and ministry; and to “get over it!”


2. CORRECTION:

Correction of “The Thought for the Week” in The Christian Recorder Online English Edition (10/14/11) “knelt” should have been used instead of “melt.”

Corrected statement: “Let every service of worship begin promptly at the time appointed. Let all those who come join in the service reverently and discreetly after having first knelt, if able, or bowed in silent prayer.” -- The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008


3. TCR OP-ED: STRAIGHT TALK HELPS:

Dr. Joseph Darby

I received what initially seemed to be an interesting DVD in the mail a couple of weeks ago. The sender included a letter extolling the virtues of Black History, bemoaning the way that Black History is often ignored, and suggesting that tools like the DVD he sent me – “Setting the Record Straight: American History in Black and White” by David Barton – might help to tell the story.

I took a look at the DVD and was disgusted but not surprised. The short bit of “Black History” covered was really the backdrop for a Republican Party recruiting tool. Mr. Barton, who’s as much a “historian” as I am a brain surgeon, spent most of his time recounting how the Democratic Party condoned slavery, created Jim Crow segregation and stood in the way of black progress, while the Republican Party championed emancipation and black freedom.

What Mr. Barton failed to note was that he was describing the respective parties and their actions in the years preceding and following the Civil War and that their positions have changed, especially since the 1960′s when 20th Century civil rights safeguards were enacted with bipartisan congressional support and signed into law by Democratic Presidents. Southern Democrats were so outraged that they quit the party, became Republicans and laid the framework for the modern day Republican Party which is – to put it kindly – less than enlightened on issues of civil rights.

I wasn’t surprised, because I often get DVD’s, books and other marketing tools inviting African-American clergy to take a good look at the “real” GOP.

I understand the reason for that strategy. African-American Christians are often as conservative as GOP voters on a range of what could be called “social/moral” issues and would seem to be natural targets for recruitment, but the Republican Party seldom gains traction in the black community. If my friends in the GOP are sincere about attracting black voters, then I’d suggest that they do four simple things that are scripturally prescribed in II Chronicles 7:14.

The first is to humble themselves. Few black folks are moved by well-crafted rhetoric that’s contradicted by reality. Many black Christians, for example, champion the rights of the unborn but can’t walk in political lock step with those who push policies that keep the “born” locked in grinding poverty. Most black Christians are unmoved by those who put their own slant on black history for political gain while working against the aspirations of most Americans today. A humble and repentant admission that the modern GOP rose to power on the politics of racial division would be helpful and refreshing.

The second is to pray, for real prayer is guided by God’s Holy Spirit and leads to self-examination. A little earnest GOP prayer that goes beyond a “my way or the highway” attitude might help those who pray to see if they’re really doing God’s will or trying to use religious and cultural rhetoric to further their personal agendas.

The third is to seek God’s face, which also translates into seeking God’s will or God’s presence. Doing so might lead to a healthier direction, for the Scriptural expression of God’s will doesn’t promote cunning, conniving, petty or divisive strategy. When Jesus was asked about the essence of God’s will as expressed by God’s commandments, He said that it boils down to doing two things: loving God with every fiber of our being and loving others – even those that He later called “the least of these” – as much as we love ourselves.

The fourth is to turn from their wicked ways, for it’s wicked to say that you want the best for our nation but to refuse to discuss what that means with those of varying political views. It’s wicked to work only for political advantage and to stand in the way of progress to get your way.

If the GOP can do those things, then they may get real black support and be able to do more than put forward a few black faces who embrace their rhetoric. Unlike those in the Tea Party, most black voters care more about reality than rhetoric. That’s why those who wore the chains of slavery kindly listened to those who told them that being obedient slaves would lead to heavenly rewards, but sang among themselves that “everybody talkin’ ‘bout heaven ain’t goin’ there.”


4. TCR OP-ED: WE HAVE COME THIS FAR…:

*Brother S. C. Dlamini

I was looking at the survival of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the southern Africa region and thought, “Are we going to survive these turbulent times in the competitive Christian community?” Let us consider the following facts wearing the southern African region cap:

Is it possible to survive in the Church if you belong to the less considered organizations because on some instances those who go to the U.S. come back and remind you that you are not in the discipline? In essence, you are an official in the church. There is a need to consider these less fancied organizations like the ACE fellowship as an entity in the church because there is a significant role they play in the church.

The concept of the ACE fellowship has housed actively a lot of the young men who enjoy the worship. As the AME church are we actually saying they may just have to go to other Methodist churches who embrace similar organizations? I was taking a random count this past weekend when there was a convention, if I remember well it was the 28TH or 29th convention. I counted about 300 strong members of the organization that was only a conference event .Two year’s back I was in the 19th Episcopal District; I was amazed the church was full with committed members of the organization. These are serious church members who love and support the church with their life and resources.

When someone say ‘whether I am legal or not but God knows I exist and worship him. Bishops who have graced this part of the region know for a fact that the organization does have a role to play. Even though men feature in other organizations such as the Lay organization, they still feel the need to sing in the African concept.

Let us admit the, the liturgy is the same, but the way we do it; is not the same. Even if we have musical instruments in the church; there are songs that we require the instrument not to be used, because the feeling will not be the same.

I think we need to embrace positive diversity that brings back people to Christ. I would like to think our brothers in the overseas region ignore the significance of these organizations because they have not seen the need for them. On the other hand another school of thought is that this is an initiative of the African region so the overseas brothers are not concerned. I have always believed if we belong to the same church we need to out for each others ‘need. The time for recognition is now we need to make a responsible move

*Brother S. C. Dlamini is a member of the ACE Fellowship of the Swaziland Annual Conference


5. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIALS AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Message of Gratitude – Over 30,000 Signatures for the Richard Allen Postage Stamp

Thanks to you and others for a job well done to our "well deserved" founder and first elected and consecrated bishop, Richard Allen.

Dr. George F. Flowers
Executive Director, Global Witness and Ministry

- To the Editor:

RE: Message of Gratitude – Over 30,000 Signatures for the Richard Allen Postage Stamp

Blessings to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am about to sign the petition for Bishop Richard Allen. For the past 5 years I have been working on a book about Nat Turner, who I, based on my research, believe might have been Methodist.

In addition to the information you have noted in the Richard Allen postage stamp notice, Bishop Richard Allen was also a noted and feared abolitionist. Just prior to Nat Turner's uprising in 1831, then Virginia Governor John Floyd wrote about Bishop Richard Allen in his journal. Floyd was worried about the Conference being held at Bethel and about Bishop Richard Allen, who Floyd mentioned by name.

I wrote about it, in particular, in Part 2 of The Resurrection of Nat Turner that will be released in February 2012.

Thank you for your work to obtain more recognition for this most deserving man.

Sharon Ewell Foster

P.S. I'm also going to post the notice to my FaceBook page and my “The Resurrection of Nat Turner”

*Sharon Ewell Foster is the author of The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 1: The Witnesses, is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author. She is the author of Passing by Samaria, the first successful work of Christian fiction by an African American author, and six other works of fiction. She regularly receives starred book reviews and is winner of the Christy Award, the Gold Pen Award, Best of Borders, and several reviewers' choice awards.

- To the Editor:

RE: Preachers have to retire by age 75, but laity can serve as delegates to the General Conference as long as they can be elected.

Just a question! If pastors have to retire at age 75, why are lay members allowed to be elected delegates to the General Conference beyond age 75? For example, in my conference 4 of the 7 delegates are over 75-years of age.

Terry Jones


- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial – “In Memoriam – The Rev. Dr. Robert Henry Reid, Jr.”

The thank you so much for your article, "In Memoriam," about the Rev. Dr. Robert Reid. I admired him very much and I really enjoyed his editorials. He was one of the first editors who printed one of the many Letters to the Editor that I wrote to The Christian Recorder.

His editorial "Anwar Sadat, Hero of Peace" was one of his finest. I read several editorials about Anwar Sadat in several major newspapers, but his editorial was the best.

I happened to be at the 45th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference held in Louisville Kentucky when he retired that was; and was very saddened to see him retire.

I shall always remember that famous smile of his.

Very sincerely yours,

Linda J. Bolding
Dallas, Texas


6. ALERT! MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE – OVER 30,000 SIGNATURES FOR THE RICHARD ALLEN POSTAGE STAMP:

Special Thanks to all of those who caught the vision to honor the legacy of Richard Allen with a postage stamp of the US Postal Service.

- AME Church - you showed out!
- Faith community around the world - you made a huge difference!
- Folk everywhere (Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean) - you took us over the top.

The FAX machine is still going non-stop. The overnight Express trucks are rolling by. The website is hot. The emails have gone viral. Don't stop now - even though together we have reached 30,202. Over 35,000 signatures are on the horizon as we hear about more petitions on the way; and it has not yet been told what God will do through YOU.

We will keep you posted and you can visit www.ame-sac.com for daily/weekly updates.

May God bless each of you your commitment to make a difference!!

The African Methodist Episcopal Church

Bishop Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, Chair - Social Action Commission
SIStah "Jackie" Dupont-"Walker, Director - Social Action Commission

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, President - General Board, AME Church
Bishop David R. Daniels, President - Council of Bishops, AME Church
Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop - AME Church

*Submitted by Mrs. Jackie Dupont Walker, Director, Social Action Commission


7. RICHARD ALLEN POSTAGE STAMP PETITION: 26,549 PETITION SIGNATURES OCTOBER 31, 20011 AT 4:45 P.M. CDT - DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ONLINE SIGNERS:

Bishop Guidry said, “We have 26,549 petition signatures as of 4:45 p.m. CDT, October 31, 20011; and the signatures are still coming and this does not include the online signers! Hallelujah!”


8. AME BISHOPS AMONG 11 WOMEN BISHOPS TO TRAVEL TO HOLY LAND:

United Methodist Council of Bishops, General Board of Church & Society sponsor trip whose goals are to stand in solidarity with women working for peace, gather facts and stories, and explore partnerships for ongoing education and advocacy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eleven ecumenical women bishops from the United States, West Indies and Africa will leave Nov. 12 for a 10-day trip to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. The trip is sponsored by the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) and the denomination’s Council of Bishops.

Goals of the trip are to stand in solidarity with women from Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions working for peace in the region; gather facts and stories to equip the delegation members as educators and advocates for peace after returning; and to explore partnerships for ongoing education and advocacy to affect positive change.

Four Christian denominations will be represented in the delegation: United Methodist, Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal and Christian Methodist Episcopal.

United Methodist Bishop Deborah Kiesey (Dakotas), president of GBCS’s Board of Directors, is leading the delegation. "This pilgrimage will not only inform each of us as bishops regarding the complexity of the region,” she said, “but it will also allow us to stand in solidarity with, and work alongside those women who are daily working to bring about peace."

United Methodist missionary, Janet Lahr Lewis, a missionary of the General Board of Global Ministries who serves in the Middle East as liaison between ecumenical groups, Israel and Palestine, will accompany the delegation.

Other staff support is being provided by Linda Bales Todd, GBCS Women’s Advocate, and Alex Baumgarten of the Episcopal Office of Government Relations.

The women bishops in the delegation are:

• United Methodist: Bishop Violet Fisher, Wilmington, Del.; Bishop Jane Middleton, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Bishop Joaquina Nhanala, Maputo, Mozambique; Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, Pasadena, Calif.; and Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Jackson, Miss.

• African Methodist Episcopal: Bishop Sarah Davis, Jamaica, West Indies, and Houston, Texas; Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Jackson, Miss.; and Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Nashville, Tenn.

• Christian Methodist Episcopal: Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Birmingham, Ala., and

• Episcopal: Bishop Laura Ahrens, Hartford, Conn.
Itinerary

The itinerary includes stops in Nazareth, Bethlehem, Capernaum, Haifa, Jerusalem/Ramallah and Gaza. Besides meeting with women working for peace in the region, there will also be tours of Holy Christian sites.
Among many briefings, the delegation expects to meet with Altufula Women’s Rights Organization, Israeli/Arab Women’s Initiative, Jericho YWCA, Lekiya-Bedouin Women’s Project and Wi’am Conflict Resolution Center’s Women’s Project — Bethlehem.

The delegation will return Nov. 21.

The General Board of Church & Society is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. The board’s primary areas of ministry are Advocacy, Education & Leadership Formation, United Nations & International Affairs, and resourcing these areas for the denomination. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City.

Submitted by Wayne Rhodes, Director of Communications, General Board of Church & Society


9. THE JAMAICA ANNUAL CONFERENCE WELCOMES FORMER EPISCOPAL LEADERS TO KINGSTON:

The former Episcopal leaders have already begun arriving in Kingston, Jamaica for the Centenary weekend celebration activities.

The Centenary Committee has been working since last Annual Conference to insure that the 100th year Anniversary of the Jamaica Conference is celebrated in the most memorable ways. In the spirit of the Centenary theme: “Reflecting on Our Past, Retooling for Our Future,” Bishop Sarah and Supervisor Claytie Davis, Jr. will be hosting Bishops and Supervisors who have served the 16th Episcopal District.

The Episcopal leaders who were able to be a part of this historic weekend include Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Supervisor Lola Cheltenham, 8th Episcopal District; retired Bishop Frederick H. Talbot and Dr. Sylvia Talbot; retired Bishop Zedekiah Grady and Mother Carrie Grady.

Other special guests will include Sister Celestine Palmer (8); Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick; the Reverend Andrew Morris Grant, Presiding Elder of Guyana/Suriname; and the Reverend Wayne Anthony, Presiding Elder of Trinidad/Tobago/Grenada.

The Centenary celebration will culminate during Jamaica Annual Conference that will be held March 21-25, 2012 in Kingston at the Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church.

The yearlong Centenary celebrations began August 28, 2011, with the Launch Program of Worship where the Reverend Kenneth Marcus, pastor of Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, Georgia was the guest preacher.

This weekend, November 5-6, 2011, the following activities will be observed at Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church. The banquet will be held at the Terre Nova Hotel where the guests are being housed.


Saturday, November 5, 2011

10:00 a.m. - Centenary Lecture: Dr. Devon Dick, Guest Lecturer
06:30 p.m. - Centenary Banquet: Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry Guest Speaker

Sunday, November 6, 2011

10:00 a.m. - Centenary Worship and Communion Service

Bishop Frederick H. Talbot, Guest Preacher
Bishop Zedekiah Grady, Chief Celebrant

04:00 p.m. - Reception for Bishops at 16th District Episcopal Residence

There is much excitement in the air in Kingston and that excitement is all about African Methodism’s presence in Jamaica for 100 years.


*Submitted by the Reverend Newton G. A. Dixon, Centenary Committee, Chairperson


10. EBENEZER AME CHURCH IN RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY’S GRAND DAY AND RICH LEGACY:

*Sister Ann Collier Parker

Sunday, September 18, 2011 was truly a GRAND DAY at Ebenezer AME Church in Rahway, NEW Jersey! The pastor, the Rev. Erika D. Crawford was appointed as the pastor in June 20111. She formerly served as pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Mt. Vernon, New York.

Ebenezer AME Church celebrated Family and Friends Day during the morning worship service. The worship leaders were the Jackson Family (John, Charlene and daughter, Christina.

The near capacity congregation heard Sister Mary McLeod and Brother Gerry White present our first female pastor, the Rev. Erika D. Crawford.

The Rev. Erica Crawford delivered a dynamic and thoughtful sermon entitled, “I Get by with a Little Help from My Friends.”
The Jackson Family did a fine job of procuring participants for the service so that Ebenezer really did have “a little help from our friends.” Other participants included, the Martin family and Deacon William McLeod.

Large, beautiful chrysanthemums were donated in memory of deceased family members and friends and in honor of those still with us; the floral arrangements were placed in many throughout the sanctuary as a reminder that even though some are gone, they were still with us in spirit. This grand day was truly one of the most meaningful morning services Ebenezer has witnessed for several months.

Dinner was provided after the morning worship service.

The afternoon service was chaired by Sister Melvin S. Wynn and Sister Deborah Bridges in celebration of Ebenezer’s 185th Anniversary - For One-Hundred-and-Eighty-Five years, Ebenezer has been praising God.

For three years, beginning in 1826, members had been going from house to house to hold worship because they did not have a place to call "home"; however in 1829, the deed was signed which signified that the members had purchased the land upon which this church stands.

The afternoon worship began with the portrayal of the Town Crier by the great-granddaughter of Elijah Pippinger, a former member of Ebenezer who was the original Rahway Town Crier in the 1800’s. She came down the aisle ringing the same type bell he used. Following the town crier, Sister Angie Garay read an account of the situation as it must have been in Rahway from 1826 to 1829 as the members were walking to service but striving to get themselves together to purchase property. This history was composed by Sister Ann Collier Parker who is a daughter of the parsonage. She had access to some of the earlier information regarding Ebenezer.

The guest preacher for the afternoon service was the Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, pastor of St. Matthew AME Church in Orange, New Jersey. He was accompanied by his choir and several members of his congregation. The Rev. Jackson preached a dynamic sermon as he commended the members of Ebenezer on their 185th Anniversary and told the congregation that in spite of previous problems, the church needed to stay close to God and God's teachings.

Thirty-five candles were lighted during the worship service in celebration of our sick and shut-ins and deceased family members and friends.

Ebenezer is proud of its rich history which includes three “sons of the congregation” who were nurtured at Ebenezer AME Church and whose legacies are recorded in the annals of the AME Church. The ministry of Ebenezer AME Church produced two General Officers and two of its “sons” served as military chaplains.

Dr. John W.P. Collier, Jr. was a product of Ebenezer AME Church, passed away two years ago. At the time of his death, he and his wife, Dr. Jacqueline Grant Collier lived in Atlanta, Georgia. As pastor, he served a total of nine churches in the First Episcopal District. In 1969, he was elected to serve the connectional church as Secretary-Treasurer of Missions and Editor of The Voice of Missions. During his tenure as Secretary-Treasurer, John visited 27 of the 29 countries in Africa where there is an AME presence, as well as churches in South America, England and Canada. In 1961, Dr. Collier was leader of the first Interfaith Interracial Freedom Rider group which included 18 clergypersons, who were jailed in Tallahassee, Florida because of their refusal to obey unconstitutional discriminating laws. Wilberforce University and Morris Brown College conferred on him the Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Humane Letters, respectfully.

The current editor of The Christian Recorder, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, is a product of Ebenezer. He became joined Ebenezer when his family moved to Rahway in 1957. He joined Ebenezer during the pastorate of the Rev. Aldustus Jordan and accepted his call to the ministry during the pastorate of the Rev. Jesse F. Owens. When Dr. Sydnor retired after 28 years in the United States Army, he was hired at Hampton University as the Director of the Religious Studies Program and Ethics Professor for the William Harvey Leadership Institute. In 2004, he was elected as the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder.

Commander David R. Brown, CHC, USN is also a product of Ebenezer. His “Father” in the ministry is, the Rev. Rudolf Gibbs. Chaplain Brown is responsible for current operations in religious ministries throughout the Marine Corps. He provides direct supervision to a religious ministry team at the Dover Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. As a senior Chaplain in the Navy, Chaplain Brown sees himself as a mentor for any chaplain who seeks his assistance.

Ebenezer AME Church is proud to have its first Female minister, the Rev. Erika D. Crawford. In addition to her duties as pastor, the Rev. Crawford is also Chaplain for the WNBA’s New York Liberty basketball team; Coordinator of Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministry for Fordham University; and a D. Min Candidate at Fordham University.

*Sister Ann Collier Parker is a life-long member of Ebenezer AME Church in Rahway


11. AME PASTOR VISITS HOMELAND:

*The Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge

The Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, along with an entourage of family and friends recently traveled from the United States to Bermuda.

The Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge was born in Bermuda and was licensed to preach in the Bermuda Annual Conference. While serving as a pastor in Bermuda, he was the first clergyman elected to Parliament in Bermuda's 400-year history. He served ten years in both Houses of the Legislature.

Traveling to Bermuda with the Rev. Woolridge, were members of Bethel AME Church in Lansdowne and the Rev. Melvin Wilson and the members of St. Luke AME Church in Harlem, New York. The distinguished Mayor of Yeadon, the Honorable Dolores Jones-Butler was also among the entourage who traveled to Bermuda. Most of the members of Rev. Woolridge's church live in Yeadon, Pennsylvania.

While in Bermuda, a courtesy call was made to the Premier of Bermuda, the Honorable Paula A, Cox, JP, MP on Monday, October 24, 2011.

Mayor Dolores Jones-Butler gave two gifts to the Honorable Paula A, Cox. She presented the Premier with the flag of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a desk paper weight with the crest of Yeadon, Pennsylvania.

The Premier of Bermuda, the Honorable Paula A, Cox gave Jones-Butler a Bermuda desk dual cedar pen-set and a book depicting life in Bermuda. They had a discussion about how both leaders could share information and ideas that would benefit the communities of Yeadon and Bermuda.

The Premier was most gracious and hospitable and encouraged entourage to return to Bermuda for another visit and wished all well while visiting beautiful, sunny and warm Bermuda.

The Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge's wife, Delphine and their children accompanied him on visit.

The pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, Sandys Bermuda, and the Rev. Ruth Van Lowe-Smith, pastor of St. John AME Church, Hamilton Parish the "Mother Church" of the Bermuda Annual Conference hosted the visitors from the United States and invited the Rev. Woolridge to preach at both Sunday morning worship services; 8 a.m., and 11 a.m.

The Rev. Pedro Castro, pastor of Vernon Temple AME Church, Southampton Bermuda invited the Rev. Melvin E. Wilson to preach their 10 a.m. service.

The Premier of Bermuda, the Honorable Paula A, Cox, the clergy of the Bermuda Annual Conference and the members of the African Methodist Episcopal church made the trip to Bermuda most memorable.

*The Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge is the pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 122B Bartram Avenue in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania (www.bethelame-lansdowne.org)


12. GREG WALKER PERFORMS AT THE SCCLO 63RD ANNUAL LAY EXTRAVAGANZA:

The Southern California Conference Lay Organization of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will host the 63rd Annual Lay Extravaganza Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Proud Bird Restaurant, 11022 Aviation Boulevard, Los Angeles. A silent auction will begin at 12:00 p.m.

Singing sensation Greg Walker will be the featured guest artist. Greg is devoted to developing musical integrity and fulfilling his personal artistic goals. Greg’s special sound as lead vocalist for the Grammy-winning group Santana led them into the musical mainstream with three platinum albums. Greg is a life-long member of the AME church who strongly supports the church and Lay Organization.

The theme for the event is Determination, Wisdom, and Steadfastness: A Tribute to Our Leaders. Awards and recognitions will be presented to the Pastor of the Year and the Floyd B. Webster Trailblazer of the Year.

This well planned event promises to be one you would not want to miss.

For more information, contact Chairperson Kathy Drayton at 818-259-0493. To purchase tickets, contact O. Fay Swan at 310-973-4476. Tamika Jones, SCCLO President.

Submitted by Tamika Jones, President, Southern California Conference Lay Organization - AMEC


13. TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES TO THE 2012 GENERAL CONFERENCE:

Ministerial Delegates:

The Rev. Edward L. Thompson
The Rev. Roderick Belin
The Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield
The Rev. Sydney Bryant
The Rev. Michael Broadnax
P.E. Robert E. Keesee
The Rev. Harold Love, Jr.
P.E. Troy Merritt
The Rev. Dennis Lawson
The Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge

Lay Delegates Clergy Delegates

Brother James Darden, Jr
Sister Barbara Ivery
Sister Eddie White
Brother Jeffery Norfleet, II
Sister Charlotte West
Sister Wanda Grandberry
Sister Laura Hollerman
Sister Juanita Patton
Brother Walter Searcy
Sister Tiffany Ligon-Brown

Ministerial Alternate Delegates

The Rev. Fred Jenkins, Sr
The Rev. Charlotte B. Sydnor
The Rev. Lisa Hammonds
The Rev. Jimmie Plummer
The Rev. Willis Orr
The Rev. Alexander Gatson
The Rev. Yvette Tisdale
The Rev. Barbara Crawford
The Rev. James Walker
The Rev. Charles Townsend

Lay Alternate Delegate

Sister Keturah Clarke-Duncanson
Brother Ron Wilson
Sister Capri Griffey-Elliott
Sister Norma McClellan
Sister Corrina Moore
Sister Bessie Batey-Stokes
Sister Cornelia Graves
Sister Erica Perry
Sister Ebony Parker
Brother Johnny Williams

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District

14. MM MOKONE MEMORIAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

The 27th Annual Session of the MM Mokone Annual Conference convened with the Nkosi Memorial A.M.E. Church in Rustenburg on 13-16 October 2011. Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath and all the pastors and the Conference choir assembled at the foyer for the beginning of the procession and the worship programme commenced with the singing of the hymn “Are yet alive and see each other’s face.”

The Bishop presented to the conference the preacher of the Annual Sermon in the person of the Rev. Jabu H. Monegi.

The preacher based his message on the Old Testament book of Ruth 2:1-17, and used the following words as his text “from a beggar to a boss.”

Following this inspiring message, the Annual Conference presided ably by Bishop Leath was organised.

Some of the highlights of this conference include that all Pastors made a 100% report of their stewardship for the year, Praise be to God, the ordination of ten persons, 8 as Itinerant Deacons, two as Itinerant Elders and the consecration of two deaconesses on Saturday 15th October 2011.
As we prepare for the General Conference we also saw the election of seven Lay and seven Clergy delegates.

The conference came to an end on Sunday 16th October 2011 as the Bishop ascended the pulpit at 12:05 with the subject “Go with God” based on the text read from Exodus 23:14. This powerful preaching was followed by Pastoral and Presiding Elders’ appointments. The next Annual Conference will be hosted by the Edith Ming A.M.E. Church, Mahwelereng on 10-14 October 2012.

We praise God for this milestone and past conference and acknowledge the educating and meticulous leadership of Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath, Presiding Elders, Pastors, Conference Officers, Delegates, visitors and the entire Mokone family.

The Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito

15. THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF THE BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, Sr., First Lady Joan Walker-Hunter, and the Eastern District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, your Resolution Committee begs leave to read the following resolution:

The illustrious Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference convened on Friday, September 16, 2011 under the leadership of the newly appointed and gifted Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter and First Lady Joan Walker-Hunter at the historic St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Host Pastor, The Reverend Dr. Peggy E. Wall and the Host Church St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir set the atmosphere for Christian fellowship, worship, and praises by singing, “How Great is Our God.”

The Worship Service of Empowerment started at 10:00 a.m. with our Host Pastor Reverend Dr. Peggy Wall joyfully declaring the Petition to Worship, “O come let us worship the Lord.” The Pastors, Ministers, and Presiding Elder of the Eastern District processed in to the hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The new Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter stirred the congregation by leading us together in a declaration,” God is Holy. Thank God for the Holy Ghost. The Reverend Dr. Ricky Spain eloquently presided over the Worship Service leading the conference in The Call to Worship. The retired Presiding Elder Emeritus Edward C. Wilson prayed a soul stirring prayer, which started with him singing, “Father I Stretch My Hands to Thee, No Other Help I know.” The choir and congregation responded to the prayer by singing, “We Worship You, O Lord; You are Worthy to be Praised.”

The St. John AME Church Choir sang our souls happy as they blended their voices singing, “There is no God like Jehovah.” Hallelujah praises filled the sanctuary.

The Old Testament scripture Psalm 139: 1-18 was read by The Reverend John Brown. The Epistle Romans 8:30-39 was read by The Reverend Cynthia Laurie. All stood as the Gospel of St. John 16:33 was read by The Reverend Charles M. Robinson. The Summary of the Decalogue was lead by The Reverend Dana Porter Ashton. The St. John AME Church Choir’s voices blessed the church again with a song of adoration, “Great is the Lord.”

The former Eastern District Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. and First Lady Irene P. Montague graced us with their presence. Mrs. Carrie Wilson also blessed us with her present.

The Reverend Rodrecus Johnson, Sr., graciously introduced Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter Sr. by posing a question, “How can you introduce someone who has labored in the vineyard, who is a scholar and leader? You can introduce him simply as the newly appointed Presiding Elder of the Eastern District.

Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, Sr. stood at the podium and introduced God’s Messenger of the hour, The Reverend R. Kevin Brown, who is the Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Port Deposit, Maryland. Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter stated, that The Reverend R. Kevin Brown’s e-mail says, “Saved Cop,” which reflects his commitment to the Lord. The Reverend R. Kevin Brown recognized his lovely wife and partner in ministry The Reverend Annette Brown. He thanked her for her faithfulness and support. The sermonic hymn was “When Peace like a River” with the solo done by Sister Vivian Giles. The sermonic hymn lifted our hearts and prepared our spirit for receiving the preached Word.

The Reverend R. Kevin Brown stood on Holy Ground and proclaimed the Word of God with Holy Ghost power, “No Time to Waste.” The Reverend R. Kevin Brown preached from the Gospel of St. John 9:1-5.

The Reverend R. Kevin Brown told the church the urgency of now is important. The Church has “No Time to Waste.” There are spiritually blind people inside and outside of the church. The times are urgent; somebody’s breakthrough is waiting on our intercession. The good news is we can make good on the time we have.

The Reverend R. Kevin Brown told us that Jesus did not waste time, because He touched the blind man. Jesus talked to the blind man. Jesus found the blind man. Jesus introduced Himself to the blind man. The Church must follow Jesus’ example. The Church must touch people to let them know we care. The Church must speak life to people. The Church must find people who are hurting and in trouble to help them. The Church must introduce Jesus to a dying world. There is no problem that the Lord God Almighty cannot solve. Everything we need the Lord has it. When God’s people turn to Him, He will give us what we need to face the ever changing challenges of today. The Urgency of Now compels us to reach out because there is “No Time to Waste!” The Holy Spirit touched everyone assembled through this anointed preacher who preached the Word of God.

The Reverend Dr. Jamal Bryant extended the invitation to Christian Discipleship so that people could receive the saving, healing, and loving touch of Jesus Christ. The Reverend Kevin Brooks did the Introduction of Visitors. The following pastors and ministers were visitors, The Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright, aspirant for the Episcopacy, The Rev. Dr. Bess McCallister and The Reverend Brenda Carter. The Reverend Dr. Peggy Wall read the Announcements. The Reverend Ellsworth Tolliver led the congregation in the Affirmation of Faith. The Reverend Winston Townsend gave the Benediction. We all left the Worship Service with, shouts of Joy, and Holy Ghost Praise.

The first workshop, “Surpassing the Current Challenges Together,” was taught by The Reverend Dr. Harry L. Seawright, Pastor of Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Brandywine, Maryland. Dr. Seawright told us that the current challenges facing us are not insurmountable. Dr. Seawright stated that no one was exempt from hard times. Dr. Seawright gave us the keys to remaining spiritually and economically healthy during these hard trying times.

Church Sensitivity: “Prayer and worship; tithing and giving; actual giving vs. budgeted need; church staff; church construction; cash flow and reserve; and the need for integrity.”

Dr. Seawright stated that we are God’s children and God will not let us down. The church should never underestimate the power of prayer. This battle is not ours, but the Lord. The Pastors should continue to teach the people of God to honor the Lord with their tithes and offering. The Pastor should set the example. The church should bless everything God gives us, at least say thank you and give God the Glory!

Dr. Seawright stressed the importance for integrity with handling church finances. The accountability system of African Methodism is the best system. Accountability goes along way. When the people trust you, they will give. The church should consider different ways of collecting offerings such as Pay Pal. Dr. Seawright told us that marketing can save souls and it brings in revenue. The people must be taught that money follows ministry. Ministry will cost something, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

The Conference reconvened after a delicious lunch serviced by our gracious host church.

The Reverend Dr. Leah White, Pastor of Greater Faith Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland taught the workshop for the clergy, “The Urgency of Now.”

Dr. Leah White told us that pastors and ministers are dealing with multiplicities of issues. As clergy we wear many hats. No pastor wears one hat at a time. The pastorate brings many stressors such as:

Time constraints, Over-extendedness, Lack of Resources, and Insomnia, (just to name a few). Dr. White stated that clergy must learn how to navigate the peaks and valleys of ministry, such as the Biblical peaks and valleys and the Congregational peaks and valleys that will come our way.

Dr. White stated there are two ways to look at a problem, either as an obstacle or an opportunity. Dr. White gave some very valuable suggestions on how to navigate the peaks and valleys. She said, “Learn how to make your good and bad times work for you; look for the good hidden in the bad; learn how to appreciate and manage the good times; learn how to follow a sensible vision; learn how to share with others; and learn how to trust god with Abrahamic faith;

Dr. Leah White recommended that clergy should, “Take time off for themselves at least one day a month; employ fresh spiritual disciplines; get proper exercise and sleep; join a small support group or prayer group; cognitive restructuring (i.e. changing one’s thinking); set boundaries; reduce clutter; organize; and have fun.”

She pointed out the sources of renewal included, “Bible study, prayer group, meditation, journaling, reading, goal setting, personal Sabbath, retreats- group – private; accountability cell, networking, delegate duties; and inspect and expect.”

Dr. Leah White stressed never make life changing decision when you are tired, hungry, or desperate. Remember that with God’s help we can navigate the peaks and valleys successfully.

Sister Adrienne Warren of Mt. Pleasant African Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington Conference, taught a very informative Workshop on “Sharing and Developing Actions Plans for the Lay Organization.” Sister Warren stated that each church should have a Lay organization. Sister Warren emphasized repairing the breach between the Lay and Clergy and connecting with the young people. The panel consisted of Sister Warren, Sister Jean Richie, and Brother Max Simpson.

The Laity leadership training helped and encouraged the Lay to seek new members. Sister Adrienne Warren stated that the laity plays a very important role in growth of the church. The information Sister Warren gave the laity was very informative and will increase the laity participation in the life and ministries of the church.

Financial Workshop led by Brother David Morgan was thought provoking and informative. He gave us an overview of the financial crisis timeline in regards to why we are in a financial dilemma as a country and a people.

Brother David Morgan explained we need to get our financial house in order. He listed the steps we should follow, which are: Reduce debt and/or transfer high rate debt; update wills and insurance; establish at least 8 months of emergency reserves or try to have 3 months of emergency reserve; start saving and investing early; set up auto- investing right from your paycheck; pay our 10% tithes first; and participate in company retirement plans.

Lastly the workshops for the day were concluded with a workshop from Point Breeze Credit Union. They provide funding to churches for renovations, construction projects, and vehicle loans (i.e. church vans).

The Friday evening Worship Service was an evening to remember. “Youth Got Talent to Worship God” Night was a Great success. The Youth of the Eastern District Conference WORSHIPPED God with their whole heart, they praised God out of their very being as young people. The Reverend Gale Kilgore handed the service over to the capable hands of the youth. Sisters Timmia Grant and Edony Martin are members of St. John, our host church. They presided with eloquence. Brother Wayne Curtis of Robinson African Methodist Episcopal Church took us to throne of grace praying a sincere prayer. The Youth blessed us through liturgical dance, mime, poetry, and songs of praises.

The Reverend Jay Young prayed for God’s divine protection and guidance for the youth of the Eastern District. The Amazing grace of God filled the place. All agreed proudly and joyfully that everyone had a hallelujah good time!

Presiding Elder Hunter recognized and greeted The Reverend William Holt, retired pastor and Marshall of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. To God be the Glory, the Reverend William Holt is 92 years young. Reverend Holt lifted our hearts by singing “Time Has Made a Change in Me.”

We sang the doxology; Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow and The Reverend Monique Upshur Davis gave the Benediction. To God Be the Glory, for the Great things He has done! A spirit filled night was had by ALL!

The Women In Ministry gathered together over a wonderful breakfast on Saturday, September 17, 2011, at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Women In Ministry were blessed with spiritual food by presenter, Sister Carla Debnam (NCC, LCRC) founder of the Renaissance Center. Sister Carla Debnam’s workshop was, “Let’s Talk about It,” with the subtitle, “Self-Care or Self-Destruct the Choice is Yours.”

The scripture reference was Deuteronomy 30:19. Sister Debnam focused on the challenges women in ministry face. The Balancing Act of caring for family, ministry, education, and self.

It is important to develop a sisterhood of strong women who are mentoring and supporting each other. Dr. Joan L. Wharton, the SED WIM President gave thanks to Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, the Reverend Rosalyn Crosby, Coordinator for the Baltimore Conference Women In Ministry, the Reverend Helen Holton, Assistant Coordinator, and the Reverend Rae–Lynn Kingeter, Eastern District Caucus Leader, for this wonderful spirit blessed workshop.

The Eastern District Conference reconvened on Saturday morning September 17, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. with opening devotions led by the Local Ministers of the Eastern District Conference. The Business Session was presided over by our newly appointed Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, Sr.

The Annual Conference Committees gave their reports:

The Committee on Ministerial Orders – Presiding Elder Hunter admonished the class about the importance of preparation for ministry. Presiding Elder Hunter stated that this was a moment of introspection and reflection. The Board of Examiners presented the seven candidates entering the ministry. Six candidates were presented for Itinerant orders and one candidate for local orders.

All of the Annual Conference reports were received with the recommended amendments and adopted. It is noted that each Committee will submit a written copy of their Committee Reports to Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, Sr.

At the close of the Business Session the Conference gathered for the Workshop, “Discovering, Enlightening and Empowering our Youth.” The Youth of the Eastern District were able to voice their views and opinions according to their age group, the children (11 and younger), the “tweens” (12-13), the teens (14-17), Adults (18 and older). This is the first time our youth were able to tell the conference their needs, wants and desires, instead of the conference telling them what their needs are. The Youth of the Eastern District are very important to the Life of the Church and the Church wants to be important in the life of the Youth.

The Reverend Brenda White, pastor of New Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church in Anne Arundel County Maryland, taught the workshop for age group 18 and older.

We should be Above the Influence and mindful of “Image, Identity, and Integrity.” We should begin with the end in mind of having an attitude of the heart, sacred trust, Christ Spirit inside us, blessing and burden, and a responsibility to help others to develop their spiritual lives.”

The Youth of the Eastern District are a rich source of knowledge. Our Youth are on the cutting edge of new technology. Face Book, Twitter, Blogging, and Text Messaging are the new forms of communicating and it is here to stay. The Pastors, Ministers, Officers, and Members should learn to use the new modes of communication without fear, but with knowledge and understanding. The Church can implement many of the Youth suggestions by using the Youth of the church and community.

The church also can become knowledgeable about youth challenges in the church and society; continue dialogue between the youth and adults of the church; create ministries that will help empower our youth (Churches may have to hire Youth ministers); several churches can join together and sponsor services and activities which foster worship, friendship, and fellowship; and create tutoring programs to help our children succeed in school.” Knowledge is power.

The Noon-Day Closing Ecumenical Workshop Service was charged with the Holy Spirit. The Reverend Dr. Joan L. Wharton presided over the Noon-Day Worship Service. The Reverend Terry Gaddy declared the Petition, “O come let us worship the Lord.” The Call to Worship was by The Reverend Jay Young. The Noon-Day heartfelt prayers for God’s divine present were offered by, The Reverend Randolph Fitchett, Pastor of Robinson African Methodist Episcopal Church in Grasonville, Maryland. The St. John AME Church Choir filled the sanctuary with songs of praises. The Old Testament scripture Joel 2:28-32, was read by The Reverend Bedelia Commodore. The New Testament scripture, the Gospel of St. John 17:20-25, was read by The Reverend Benita Keene. The Reverend Dawn Thomas led the congregation in the Decalogue. The Joan Coursey Liturgical Group of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church blessed the Conference by dancing to the Glory of God.

The Reverend Brian Thomas gallantly presented Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, Sr., “A New Man for A New Season.” Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, Sr., introduced the Noon – Day, God’s Ambassador, The Reverend Dr. Jeremiah G. Williams retired Pastor of the United Methodist Church. The anointed St. John AME Church Choir sang, “Nobody Greater,” which energized the sanctuary and prepared our hearts to receive the preached Word.

The Reverend Dr. Jeremiah G. Williams took to the podium declaring, “I Trust in God, I Know He Cares for Me.” Dr. Jeremiah G. Williams broke the Bread of Life, taking his text from Acts 14:23 and Ephesians 4:1-3. Dr. Jeremiah G. Williams told the Conference that you must know the Lord for yourself, you must trust the Lord, and you must agree with the Lord.

Shouts of affirmations and Amen could be heard throughout the house of God. Oh! How our hearts burn within as we heard the Word of God preached with Holy Ghost power.

The introduction of visitors was done by Brother Alvin White. Announcements were given by The Reverend Nancy Dennis. The Affirmation of Faith was led by the Reverend William Cain. The benediction was done by our dynamic preacher for the hour, The Reverend Dr. Jeremiah G. Williams.

The Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference with sincere gratitude and appreciation would like to thank our Host church, the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church family and the dynamic Reverend Dr. Peggy Wall, our Host Pastor, for their beautiful hospitality. They went the extra mile to meet our needs. They rolled out the red carpet and treated us as someone special in the Lord. The food was delicious and served with a smile. Everything from the opening welcome given by Sister Marsha Brown of our Host Church to the closing Worship Service was superb. Hurricane Irene could not stop the Great Historic St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church. They had an overcoming victorious spirit!

The Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference under the fresh vibrant leadership of Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, Sr., and First Lady Joan Walker-Hunter is a new beginning for the Eastern District. The love, unity, and empowerment experienced by pastors, clergy and laity as they gathered for worship and learning at the outstanding Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church were moments of God. We can all go back to the vineyard with a renewed sense of “The Called, the Committed, and the Empowered to face the Urgency of Now.”

Submitted by the Resolution Committee: the Reverend Pearl Geter; the Reverend Monique Upshur Davis; the Reverend Rae –Lynn Kingeter; the Reverend Benita Keene; the Reverend William Wingo; and the lay delegate from Saint John AME Church.


16. LESSONS LEARNED FROM TIME SERVED:

By Rev. Sidney Williams, WMS Sojourner 2009 -10

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus he provides his reasons for becoming a willful prisoner for Christ. His chief reason was his inner most desire to experience the radical hospitality of Jesus the Christ and realized that he would have to make significant personal sacrifices. It was not enough to simply preach to his fellow Jews about the resurrection and promise of eternal life. Instead, the Apostle Paul was convinced that through the power of the Holy Spirit that the cultural, economic and ethnic differences would cease being barriers for Christian unity.

For those of us who have lived most of our lives outside of the walls, it is easy to speak of radical hospitality and how we want the walls of injustice to come tumbling down so that we might have access to what we perceive to be a better life. However, seldom does one hear the cry from within the walls of privilege to tear down the walls. Yet, this is exactly what the Apostle Paul was crying out for. Instead of relying on citizenship status and formal education, the Apostle Paul writes these words to the church at Philippi,

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

After the passing of my mother in February 2007, I also wanted to experience this radical hospitality that Christ Jesus took hold of for me. Like many people who bought into the American dream I was trapped within the walls of economic achievement and could not navigate a way over the walls without the fear of being homeless or becoming utterly dependent on God. Yes, I remembered that Jesus told those who followed him that he had neither a fox hole nor a bird’s nest and yet, he promised to supply all of our needs according to his riches and glory. I was faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, everything that I had prayed for was keeping me alive, and on the other hand, I had come to realize that what I had obtained and all of the goals that I was diligently working on were keeping me from what God wanted for my life. For whom was I living?

I wanted to live for Christ, but I had to consider my wife and four children. How would I provide for them if I let go of everything? It occurred to me that maybe I really wasn’t getting any closer to the end goal and that just maybe I was traveling in the wrong direction. I began to think about the many aspects of my life that I had put on hold with the expectation that at some point in the future I would be able to catch up. I made the assumption that time was on my side, but my mother’s untimely death made me realize that tomorrow is not promised. If I was going to live for Christ, then I had to do it immediately. Surely, God was fully aware of my family and God would not only supply my needs, but I learned to trust God for my family. My children were His children and my wife was chosen by God to complete me. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that putting God on hold was only denying God’s good and perfect will for my life.

Surrendering to God is like turning yourself in after resisting arrest. There is a fear of greater punishment and long suffering. I thought to myself that surely God will have to teach me a lesson for making Him wait. I wanted to assure God that I was available to serve those in greatest need. I wanted to tear down the walls of economic achievement that had previously separated me from the poor. I confessed that I had helped to build these walls and I was ashamed. I thought about the money I spent to distance myself from the stigma of poverty – my home, my clothes, my cars, my education, etc. There was nothing wrong with the things I purchased, but I realized my purpose for buying them did not glorify God. The money I spent was stolen from God and spent on material things that could have been used to bless the poor. I was guilty of not tithing.

Like the Apostle Paul, I realized that the Missionary Journey was critical to my ministry. It would not be enough to simply visit foreign countries. I would have to go and live among the people and become a servant. The mistake I made was going and thinking somehow I should be rewarded for my sacrifice. A prisoner is not rewarded for turning himself in. It is only after time served, that the prisoner is eligible for a reward or parole. Like Cain after the confession of the murder of his brother, there is an indelible mark left on your soul when you fully surrender to God’s will. In fact, the act of surrendering is more like Jacob’s struggle with the Angel. When the darkness fades and God provides a light unto your footpath, you will never walk the same again. The lessons learned last you a life time!

The chief lesson learned is that it is not the service God wants, but rather the humility. Too many Christians consider themselves to have already obtained what they are striving for in Christ or have already arrived at their goal. There is a level of spiritual arrogance that assumes that because God has answered our prayer requests that somehow we have earned a coveted relationship with the creator, but I have learned that God desires a coveted relationship with those who seek to do His will. During my time in Cape Town, I realized that I was there to observe what God was doing and not for God to observe what I was doing. I was humbled by the faith and hope of believers who had so much less than me. How could they praise God so fervently when it appeared that God was completely ignoring them?

Another great lesson learned was how we use culture, economic and ethnic differences to define and limit who we worship with. Rather than the focus on the radical hospitality of Christ Jesus, there is a greater focus on who should be kept out. Nowhere is this more pronounced than in Africa, where cultural identity is critical to the very existence of one’s being. More specifically, in South Africa there are 11 official languages and English is the common language spoken in Government. Nevertheless, people much prefer to experience worship in their mother tongue, alienating foreigners and fellow citizens who are unable to understand the language. As a foreigner, living outside of the walls, it was easy to speak of radical hospitality and how I wanted the walls of cultural alienation to come tumbling down, but I was convicted about how little we do in America to embrace foreigners and fellow citizens in the worship experience.

Finally, I learned to balance my requests with God’s will for me. While living in Cape Town, I witnessed so many who tirelessly called on God to help them in times of trouble, but there seemed to be no response from God. On the surface it appeared that many had faith without hope, but upon further investigation I discovered what it means to be content with what God has already done and accepting of God’s divine will. Rather than chasing the dream and avoiding a complete surrender to God’s will, we must surrender to God’s divine authority even when it seems like a denial. I am reminded of Joseph who spent time in the pit and in the prison. I can imagine that at times it seemed like the dream was not to become a reality, but I am a living witness that dreams that are divinely inspired shall become a present reality.


17. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY FOUNDER’S WEEK ON NOVEMBER 16-17, 2011:

WILBERFORCE, OHIO—Payne Theological Seminary, under the leadership of President Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, will host Founder’s Week on November 16-17, 2011

Payne Theological Seminary, under the leadership of President Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, will host Founder’s Week on November 16-17, 2011. This will be the culmination of the yearlong commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Payne’s founder, Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne. During the past year, Payne has hosted a Five City Tour, visiting key cities that significantly impacted the life of Bishop Payne. After visiting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Charleston, South Carolina; and Baltimore, Maryland, the Five City Tour will conclude at Wilberforce, Ohio, with the Founder’s Week activities.

As the only free-standing African American seminary in the world, Payne’s purpose is to promote education, religion and morality by educating persons for service in Christian ministry and missions. Embodying this purpose, the theme for this year’s Founder’s Week is “Payne and the Sacred Arts.” On November 16, at 7:00 p.m., Payne will host a special theatrical production, co-sponsored by the Payne Alumni Association and produced by Mr. Ron Himes, founder of The Black Rep in St. Louis. The “Payne and the Sacred Arts” performance will include music, poetry, dance, and dramatic and visual arts to highlight life experiences of Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne. The Dayton Contemporary Dance Second Company will be featured in this performance, which will be held at the Central State University Paul Robeson Center for Music and the Performing Arts, located at 1400 Brush Row Road in Wilberforce. Local schools and colleges are asked to encourage teachers and students to attend this historic event, which is free and open to the public.

Payne has commissioned a mural by Dayton artist Mr. James Pate, which features presidential leaders and key institutional icons of Payne Theological Seminary. This mural will be unveiled at the Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom Library at Payne on November 17 at 5:00 p.m. Following the mural unveiling, guests are invited to view the “Spirit” exhibit by renowned Dayton artist, Mr. Willis “Bing” Davis, and attend a reception honoring Payne presidential leadership at the newly renovated Mitchell-Anderson Hall. The events of the evening will culminate with the Founder’s Week Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Living Savior. Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District and Vice Chairman of Payne’s Board of Trustees, will be the guest preacher. All of Thursday’s events are located on the Payne campus at 1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road in Wilberforce.

Payne Theological Seminary invites you and your constituency to join us on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, and on Thursday, November 17, 2011, for these special events. For more information, please contact Mrs. Marilyn Hatcher at (937) 376-2946, ext. 224 or mhatcher@payne.edu.


18. ROLAND MARVIN CARTER LIVING LEGEND AWARD:

Ms. Elizabeth Neal

Jacqueline D. Roberts was bestowed the revered Roland Marvin Carter Living Legend Award at the 97th Hampton University Ministers Conference - 77th Choir Directors-Organists Guild Workshop, June 9, 2011. This prestigious award is named for the distinguished composer, conductor, educator and pianist, Roland Marvin Carter. It should have come as no surprise that Roberts was selected for this recognition. Her talents certainly compare favorably to those of Carter, a highly regarded leader in the choral arts. It is a well established fact that music plays a very important religious and sacred role within African American churches and communities. Music can move and involve a congregation, thereby intensifying the spiritual and worship experience. Everyone knows what music is and has heard a form of it, but unlike Roberts, many people underestimate the value and power music has in our everyday lives.

Roberts’ musical talents were recognized in high school where she took organ lessons for four (4) years. Following her graduation in 1954, she was asked to provide “temporary” coverage at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (“Bethel”) until a fulltime “experienced” organist could be hired. To supplement her lack of experience in directing, the church hired choir director William Bowie. Roberts studied with him for the next four (4) years. Upon his voluntary resignation and based on his recommendation, Roberts became Bethel’s fulltime music director; the church’s “Minister of Music.”

In 1960, Roberts directed the Bethel senior choir in a presentation of its first Christmas Cantata. Currently, this annual event includes the Bethel sanctuary choir, other Bethel singing groups and musicians and choristers from other churches in the Wilmington community. It was also in the early 1960s that Roberts formed “The Bethel Trio” with two (2) other church members. Their musical repertoire was very diverse, including anthems, spirituals and good old gospel music. For the next twenty (20) years, the Trio served the church congregation and was presented in concert to “standing room only” audiences.

A career in music, ironically, was not Roberts’ dream. In 1971, after fourteen (14) years of marriage and having sent the youngest of her three (3) children off to school, she was encouraged by her husband, to enroll in college to pursue her real passion . . . to become a school teacher. However, despite her desire to teach, apparently there was no escaping her “real calling” and she chose music as her minor when enrolling in Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Roberts took full advantage of the teachings of the gifted music instructors at Cheyney. Based on her keen ear, bright mind and talented hands, she was chosen to play the music for the processional and recessional at her 1975 college graduation.

According to the dictionary, music is sounds that produce effect; it is having rhythm, melody or harmony. But it's really underestimated; more so than many actually realizes! Music can also be a method of learning; it’s a therapy and teaching tool. Applying this principle, Roberts almost immediately integrated music into her first grade classroom curriculum and produced a Christmas program, a new challenge for first graders. This was followed by a spring play that was very well received. Almost immediately, the other first grade teachers made an appeal to join her, thereby expanding the reach of the program. For the next twenty (20) years, Roberts’ production of the annual spring play for first graders was a highlight of the students’ school year.

It is a well established fact that music plays a very important religious role within African American churches and communities. Music can move and involve a congregation, intensifying the spiritual and worship experience. Everyone knows what music is and has heard a form of it, but most people underestimate the value and power music has in our everyday lives. Roberts has always understood the effect and significance that music can have. Undoubtedly, it was with this realization and appreciation for its mighty force that in 1993 her title was changed to “Director of Church Music” by Bethel’s then newly appointed pastor, Reverend Silvester Scott Beaman. This served as motivation for Roberts to further develop and influence the direction of the musical groups and musicians at Bethel. As she did then, she continues now to utilize her multitude of natural abilities in a myriad of ways. She serves as senior organist, director of the sixty-five (65) voice sanctuary choir and the twenty-five (25) voice male chorus, called the “Sons of Thunder,” who affectionately refer to her as “Daughter of Lightning.” She conducts an annual spring workshops to which noted clinicians are invited. She accomplishes these tasks while mentoring, guiding, inspiring, and yes, teaching a highly skilled and dedicated team of musicians.

Since 1985, Roberts has been a member of the Hildamann Chorale, a highly renowned and well celebrated group of local musicians. She served as one (1) of three (3) guest directors during the 2009 - 2010 season. She is president of the Sylvia Olden Lee Music Guild of the National Association of Negro Musicians. Roberts’ commitment to giving back to the community led her to be a force behind the establishment of the Bethel Endowment Foundation in 2007. The foundation has presented choirs from historically black colleges and universities in concert on an annual basis since its inception. Appearances include Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Delaware State University, Morehouse College, Norfolk State University and Wilberforce University.

“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.” These were the words of Sergei Rachmaninoff, a composer and pianist who was very influential in the twentieth century. They could very well have been spoken by Roberts. For her music is a huge part of her life and our lives. Music enhances the worship experience. It helps lead to a healthy life in Christ. She is a master (or mistress) at incorporating music into the life of the church; whether playing it, listening to it or using it.

Roberts is a native of Wilmington, Delaware, where she continues to reside with her husband, Leslie. They are the proud parents of three (3) adult children, Michele, Leslie Jr. and Carmen.


19. THE CONNECTIONAL WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY RECOGNIZES NATIONAL MARROW AWARENESS MONTH:

November is National Marrow Awareness Month and DKMS is encouraging people to help save lives by registering to be a potential bone marrow donor.

On any given day, more than 6,000 men, women and children are searching the National Registry for a life- saver like YOU! These patients have leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases that can be treated by a bone marrow transplant. For many of these patients, a transplant may be the best and only hope of a cure.


Listen to these alarming statistics:

- Every 4 minutes, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

- Every 10 minutes, blood cancer takes a person’s life.

- Less than 30% of patients can find a match within their own family, the other 70% must depend on YOU!

- Only 4 out of 10 patients will receive the transplant that could save their lives.

- At least 1,000 people die each year because they cannot find a matching donor.

- Marrow matches for minorities are harder to find. Caucasians patients find a donor 75% of the time. African Americans patients find an unrelated donor only 25% of the time.

When you register as a bone marrow donor, you join the global movement of more than 11 million donors who stand ready to give someone a second chance to live.

You can give hope; you can give life, and you can create a miracle!

For further information, please contact: DKMS@dkmsamericas.org or call (866) 340–DKMS.


Be the match! Register as a bone marrow donor today!

(Some data gathered by the Institute for Justice: www.ij.org)

Shirley Cason-Reed, Connectional WMS President; Deborah Taylor King, Connectional Christian Social Action Commission


Submitted by D. Faye Conley, Office Manager, Women’s Missionary Society, African Methodist Episcopal Church


20. SPIRITUAL INSIGHTFULNESS:

The Rev. F. Bernard Lemon, Presiding Elder of the “lively” Lakeland District, whose ministry has always demonstrated a heart for the church and a love for the people, with the support of the pastors of the Lakeland District, a program to salute the Superannuated Pastors of the District that celebrated their years of service to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The pastoral service of the ten honorees exceeds 300 years ministry.

The program honoring superannuated preaches was held on May 22, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at New Bethel AME Church in Winter Haven, Florida where the Rev. Edward Green serves as pastor. The celebration was a demonstrated example of John 13:34 where Jesus tells us how to love one another; and it was a reflection of the motto of the AME Church, “God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family.”

The superannuated pastors participated on the program with deep appreciation and the congregation felt their gratitude. The Rev. Clarence Wilcher rendered a solo and the Rev. Theolia Williams delivered the preached word. His sermon was entitled, "My Joy." The Rev. Ronnie Clark made the appeal during the offering of love and shared some of the concerns that the superannuated pastors had shared with him over the years.

The Rev. Dr. Leroy Attles gave expressions of appreciation on behalf of the honorees. His expression of appreciation was entitled, "What Manner of Man Is This," that referenced the spiritual insightfulness of Presiding Elder F. Bernard Lemon. The pastor of the Lakeland District generously supported the program that honored the superannuated preachers.

The ten honorees were the Rev. Dr. Leroy Attles, the Rev. Leroy McGahee, and Rev. Amos Oliver, the Rev. Elisha Partner, the Rev. Charles Rawls, the Rev. Astorline Smith, the Rev. Willie G. Smith, the Rev. Charles Walker, the Rev. Clarence Wilcher, and the Rev. Theolia Williams.

A beautiful reception followed the program and the congregation was enthusiastic in fellowshipping with the honored superannuated pastors.

Dr. Henrietta S. Attles said, “Appreciation is extended to Presiding Elder and Mrs. Lemon and pastors of the “lively” Lakeland District for their program that celebrated superannuated pastors’ years of service to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It was a beautiful tribute to the superannuated pastors.”

One pastor expressed his gratitude when he shared that he had never been recognized before in this fashion.

Many of the parishioners expressed the opinion that the left event feeling that programs of honoring superannuated preachers should be implemented across the connectional AME Church.

Dr. Henrietta Attles said, “The service serves as a testimony about how much God loves us and the service honoring the superannuated preachers was a reminder of how much others have appreciated the service rendered during the years these pastors served the AME Church and it is my hope that a program such as was held in the Lakeland will be duplicated throughout the Connectional Church.”


21. NATIONAL CATHEDRAL OF AFRICAN METHODISM STEPS UP TO THE PLATE:

Metropolitan AME Steps Up With National and Local Financial Education Leaders for One-Stop Financial Empowerment on November 5, 2011

The historic Metropolitan AME Church, a spiritual and civil rights landmark in downtown Washington D.C. since 1838, has stepped up its role as a leader in addressing local community needs such as poverty, joblessness, ex-offender re-entry and other pressing local community needs. “So many people are hurting from this financial tsunami. It is the church’s responsibility to help people who are in need,” says the Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Braxton, Senior Pastor of the historic church whose pulpit has hosted presidents and global heads of state, as well as former slave, abolitionist and writer, Frederick Douglass, who regularly worshipped at Metropolitan AME.

To address the community’s and the church members’ concerns about finances, Metropolitan has teamed up with national author and host of the long-running PBS personal finance TV series Moneywise with Kelvin Boston, and local nonprofit financial education leader, Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) to provide a free, all day “financial empowerment” event on November 5, 2011. Key speakers include Kelvin Boston, host of Moneywise with Kelvin Boston; national motivational speaker Willie Jolley, author of Turning Setbacks into Greenbacks; the Rev. Deforest Soaries, Jr., author of Breaking Free from Financial Slavery; Obama-appointee Marie P. Johns, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Senior Steward of Metropolitan AME; and Sandra L. Thompson, Director of Supervision and Consumer Protection, FDIC, and a leader at Reid Temple AME in Glenn Dale, Maryland.

This event features other high level speakers from the public, corporate, and faith-based communities, dynamic music performances, panel discussions on a broad range of cutting-edge financial topics, plus one-on-one mini credit coaching (with a free credit report) and financial planning sessions, exhibits and prizes.

The partnership with CAAB and Metropolitan AME for the DC tour is one of 26 stops on Moneywise’s national financial empowerment tour. Boston, who MC’s the event facilitates an opening panel entitled: “Why We Are Here: Finding Success in an Economic Mess,” tapped E*Trade and other sponsors to bring national speakers and regional resources together to help to solve local problems all across the country. Previous Financial Empowerment Tour stops have been First AME in Los Angeles and Mother Bethel AME in Philadelphia.

Topics include how to get a job, how to start a business, how to modify your mortgage, how to prevent foreclosure, how to pay down your debt. Exhibitors include banks, jobs banks, certified financial planners, credit coaches, and kidpreneur/kidswealth exhibits.

The event is at Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 (www.metropolitanamec.org), 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and provides free (validated) parking and free lunch. Seating is limited so participants may register at http://www.metropolitanamec.org/one-stop-financial-empowerment.asp, or www.caab.org or call 202-419-1440 (CAAB) or 202-331-1426 (church). Metro accessible from McPherson Square (blue/orange) or Farragut North (Red).

**Submitted by Maurita Coley Flippin, Executive Director, Capital Area Asset Builders, Senior Steward, Metropolitan AME


22. RELIGIOUS LEADERS LEND THEIR VOICES TO FIGHT HUNGER:

By the Rev. Derrick Boykin

My wife and I recently took my 2-year-old son, Emil, to the doctor’s office for his two-year checkup. To my pleasure, all measurements indicated that his physical development was not only above average but excellent for a child his age. Emil received a clean bill of health.

This trip to the doctor’s office had me thinking—what a privilege it is to have access to nutritious food, doctors, and medicine to ensure the good health and well-being of our children. On a recent trip to Zambia I quickly realized that for many people around the world, these privileges are not normal at all.

For example, I learned that 45 percent of Zambian children under 5 suffer from stunted growth because they have limited access to nutritious food and medicines. Almost 21 percent are severely stunted, according to the World Health Organization’s standards. These statistics are startling. In addition, HIV-positive mothers who give birth to HIV-negative children are often confronted with an impossible dilemma when it comes to feeding their children. Because baby formula often depends on access to clean and safe drinking water—which can be hard to find—the only viable option for these mothers is to breastfeed them, knowing there is a 30 percent chance their babies will contract HIV. What a decision to have to make!

Maternal and child nutrition in the time between pregnancy and age 2 (approximately 1,000 days) are crucial for human development. In the United States, mothers and children who are not properly nourished in the first 1,000 days face greater mortality rates at birth. Children have decreased mental capacity, leading to lower test scores, a smaller vocabulary, and poorer health through their lifetimes. Programs such as WIC and SNAP help ensure that mothers and children receive adequate nutrition; we believe they must be protected.

In developing countries, children suffer permanent cognitive and physical delays when mothers and children do not receive proper nutrition during this critical period. Children who are properly nourished resist disease better throughout their lives, stay in school longer, and earn more income. We believe our efforts to end hunger overseas must also include a focus on nutrition.

Religious leaders and organizations must become engaged in this conversation. Zambia was the first of three stops on a visit to Africa I took with religious leaders and several Bread for the World colleagues last month to learn about the work being done to address maternal and child nutrition issues in developing countries. We are working to develop a community of faith leaders who will advocate for nutrition because, without addressing malnutrition, we don’t have any hope of ending hunger. Now it’s your turn. Let’s keep these conversations going in our community and help change history for hungry people around the world.

The Rev. Derrick Boykin serves as associate for African American leadership outreach at Bread for the World.


23. NCC RELEASES DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR ADVENT; EXPECTING THE WORD, A WORDS MATTER STUDY:

By Meagan Manus

New York, October 27, 2011 -- When a parent is expecting a child, there are many decisions to be made. What will the child be named? Will it be a family name, a traditional name, a new and different name? How will the child be raised? What are those deepest parts of the parents’ own values and beliefs they will want to pass on?

As we expect this particular child, Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, we have choices to make. How will we live? How will we worship? How will we spend our money? What stories will we tell? Which words will we use?

Expecting the Word, an Advent Devotional organized by Words Matter, a project of the National Council of Churches Justice for Women Working Group, offers a diversity of stories and meditations for contemplation during Advent.

Questions about the choices we make and how we make them. What makes a story “holy?” What is our responsibility to articulate the words and images for God that speaks to our souls? How did we learn the words for our own stories? What words and images expand our community of believers? These and other questions form the basis of the meditations.

Expecting the Word includes reflections written by a variety of people from different communions, racial and ethnic backgrounds, ages, professions, and experiences around the Advent Sunday texts from the Revised Common Lectionary.

Visual artists have contributed, lending another level of engagement for contemplation—including one textile artist who creates vestments and banners for churches, helping us think about the symbols we see in our places of worship each Sunday.

Expecting the Word is available for free download from www.WordsMatter.org/advent-devotional. During advent, daily postings will also be available there. Please join us, allowing the stories and questions to whirl and eddy within our swelling minds and bodies as we find ourselves expecting the Word together.

For more information on Words Matter visit www.WordsMatter.org or contact Meagan Manas.


24. MEDITATION BASED ON ROMANS 5:1-11

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby

The first Sunday in November is one of my favorite days of the year because it’s the end of Daylight Savings Time. I’m not exactly a “morning person” so I’m more than happy to set my clock back an hour - especially on a Sunday when the first morning worship service at Morris Brown begins at 7:45!

All of us sometimes wish that life worked like the end of Daylight Savings Time. If we’re honest about it, all of us sometimes make dubious choices, get caught up in destructive situations, say unnecessary and sometimes hurtful things, and run into difficult and distressing circumstances that make us wish we could “roll back the clock” and do things over again.

Life doesn’t afford us that luxury, but God’s grace makes up for it. When humanity was messed up and in need of a “do over,” God sent His Son into this world so that we could be made worthy through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We’re the beneficiaries of God’s grace not because of what we do, for we all do our share of right and wrong. We’re the beneficiaries of God’s grace because Christ gave His life as the price for our sins and made us worthy in God’s eyes.

We’re all imperfect human beings, but the Son of the perfect God loved us enough to give us a “do over” on Calvary’s cross and sent His Holy Spirit to abide with us so that we could find new hope, new strength, new direction and new joy.

We may still mess up sometimes, but we have a Savior who pleads our case in Glory. When we trust in Him, we can walk in newness of life, knowing that even when we’re in desperate need of a “do over,” we can find comfort in the Christ who led one songwriter to say, “He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs.”

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

Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:

Isaiah 62:1-5
Revelation 3:7-13
Mark 10:35-45

Sunday’s Sermons are:

7:45 am - “Are You Ready for Your Crown?”
11 am - “Are You Working for Your Crown?”

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina


25. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:


- Episcopal Supervisor Retired, the Reverend Rosalyn K. Brookins receives pastoral appointment

History in the African Methodist Episcopal Church has been made, once again. Retired Episcopal Supervisor, the Reverend Rosalyn K. Brookins, received appointment as pastor of Walker Temple AME Church in Los Angeles, California. The Reverend Brookins is the first Episcopal Supervisor to be assigned as pastor of any congregation. Retired Bishop H.H. Brookins is now the first gentleman of Walker Temple AME Church in Los Angeles. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church made the historic appointment at the 5th Episcopal District Planning Meeting. "What a mighty God we serve!"

Congratulatory messages and well wishes can be emailed to: rrosethequeen@aol.com


- The Birth of Allan Ezekiel Brown

Allan Ezekiel Brown was born October 15, 2011 to Sterling and April Brown. He is the grandson of the Rev. Carolyn Habersham, pastor of Greater Turner Chapel AME Church in Greensburg, Louisiana. He is the great grandson of retired Presiding Elder Ezekiel Habersham.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: Revhabersham@aol.com


- General Officer Family Congratulatory Announcement – New Grandchild of Dr. Daryl and Mrs. Patricia Ingram

Congratulations to Dr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Director, Department of Christian Education and Mrs. Patricia Ingram, Senior Administrator, Department of Christian Education. They are the proud grandparents of Mason Dewayne Thigpen; Morgan Kelley Thigpen's little brother (Parents, Dewayne and DeNee Thigpen). Born on 10/14/11, he weighed 5 1/2 lbs and 19-1/8 inches long.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to: dingram@ameced.com


- Congratulations to Mrs. Jacqueline Dupont Walker, Consultant / Director of the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Mrs. Jacqueline Dupont Walker is the Vice-President of the Churches Uniting In Christ (CUIC), which works to heal divisions of racism in church and society

Bishop John White, Ecumenical & Urban Affairs Officer and Endorsing Agent for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, announces that Sister Jacqueline DuPont Walker, a lay member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is the vice-president of CUIC. Mrs. Jacqueline Dupont Walker is the Consultant / Director of the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Churches Uniting In Christ (CUIC) strives to heal divisions of racism in church and society. Member communions in CUIC are the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Church, the International Council of Community Churches, the Moravian Church (Northern Province), the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Church of Christ, and United Methodist Church. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has also participated in CUIC as a "partner in mission and ministry."


26. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are sad to announce the passing of Mrs. Dorothy Vonner Talbot on October 26, 2011 in Waco, Texas. She was the widow of the late Theodore (Ted) Alwyn Fountain Talbot who was son of the late Dr. D. P. Talbot of Guyana, South America and first cousin/brother of Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot, 90th Bishop retired.

Condolences may be sent to her sister, Mrs. Delois Haliburton at 3201 Maple Street, Waco, TX 76707-1238.

Email address for Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot: fhtalbotn@aol.com


27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Ms. Ida S. Edwards, grandmother of the Rev. Anthony R. Sanders, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Rocky Mount, Virginia. Ms. Ida S. Edwards made her final transition in life on Saturday, October 29, 2011 around the noon time frame.

Service arrangements for Ms. Ida S. Edwards:

Funeral:
Friday, November 5, 2011
12:00 Noon
Morris Chapel Baptist Church
529 Baptist Street
Greenwood, South Carolina 29646
The Rev. Anthony R. Sanders, Eulogist

Services are entrusted to:
Percival Tompkins Service
330 Magnolia St.
Greenwood, South Carolina 29648
Telephone: (864) 229-4207

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Pastor Anthony R. Sanders
Bethel AME Church
385 Diamond Ave.
Rocky Mount, VA 24151

Phone: (757) 450-7002
Email: anthonyrsanders75@gmail.com

Online Guest Book: http://www.percivaltompkinsfuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1300483&fh_id=12497


28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Geraldine M. Daniels, the mother of the Rev. Ella Edwards, the pastor of Ivey Chapel A.M.E. Church, Nocatee, Florida, and the Chair of the Board of Examiners for the West Coast Conference of the Eleventh Episcopal District.

Service Arrangements for Mrs. Geraldine M. Daniels:

Viewing: Friday, November 4, 2011 – 5 pm-7 pm
New Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
1615 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Wauchula, Florida 33873

Homegoing Celebration: Saturday, November 5, 2011 - 1:00 pm
New Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
1615 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Wauchula, Florida 33873

Services entrusted to:
Hickson Funeral Home
142 S. Orange Avenue
Arcadia, Florida 34266

Telephone: (863) 494-2920

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Ella Edwards
1546 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Wauchula, FL 33873

Telephone: (863) 773-9510


29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of the Rev. Msisiwapi J. Skotha. The Rev. Msisiwapi J. Skotha, a superannuated minister of the Cape Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District was called to rest from the fruits of his labour on Saturday, 29 October 2011.

This humble servant of God laid his all on the altar for his Lord and was a proud and dedicated member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church until he was called home.

Pray that God will strengthen his wife and rest of the family as they prepare for the final farewell.

Memorial Service for the late Rev. J. Skota is scheduled to take place at F. H. Gow AME Church, Nyanga on Sunday, 6 November at 14:00.

The Homegoing Celebration will be held on Monday, November 7, 2011 and Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Presiding Prelate, 15th Episcopal District will be the Officiant.


30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:


This missive comes to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Samuel Lawrence Arnold, Sr., retired Presiding Elder of the Monticello District of the South Arkansas Conference of the Twelfth Episcopal District.

Service arrangements for Retired Presiding Elder Samuel L. Arnold, Sr.:

Public Viewing:

Thursday, November 3, 2011
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cromwell Funeral Home
600 East St. Louis Street
Hamburg, Arkansas 71646

Telephone: 870-853-5000

Celebration of Life:

Friday, November 4, 2011
2:00 p.m.
Pilgrim Rest A.M.E. Church
522 North Bailey Street
Monticello, AR 71655
Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr., Eulogist

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:

Mrs. Cherry Arnold (his wife)
P.O. Box 265
Hamburg, Arkansas 71646

Telephone: 870-723-8656
Email: Seeucherry@yahoo.com

Expressions of sympathy can also be placed in the online Guest Book:

http://www.cromwellfuneralhome.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1299727&fh_id=11571


31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Mose Williams of Pensacola, Florida, the brother of Presiding Elder Mary Robinson, Quincy District-Florida Conference.

Service Arrangements for Mr. Mose Williams:

Wake: Friday, Nov 4, 2011 at 6:30-7:30 PM
Joe Morris and Son Funeral Home
701 N. De Villiers Street
Pensacola, Florida 32501

Funeral Services: Saturday, Nov 5, 2011 at 12:00 Noon
Diamond Road First Born Church
982 Diamond Dairy Road
Pensacola, Florida 32505

Services entrusted to:

Joe Morris and Son Funeral Home
701 N. De Villiers St
Pensacola, Florida 32501
Telephone: (850) 432-3436
FAX: (850) 433-4179

Condolences may be emailed to: Presiding Elder Mary Robinson: mwrob@embarqmail.com


32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share news of the passing of Richard N. Carnell, age 38 of Waukegan, Illinois, the brother of First Lady, Yvette Williams and the brother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams, pastor of Brookins Community AME Church, Los Angeles, California.

Arrangements for Richard N. Carnell:

Memorial Service of his Life:

Thursday, November 10, 2011
11:00 A.M.
Trinity A.M.E. Church
210 South Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60079

Pastor, Dr. Reginald Blount, Officiating

The Interment will be private.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. C. Dennis Williams
C/o Brookins Community AME Church
4831 S Gramercy Place
Los Angeles, CA 90062

Telephone: (323) 296-5610


33. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of The Reverend Benny Leon Johnson on Saturday, October 15, 2011, St. James, Liberty City, Miami, FL 11th Episcopal District. The following information has been provided regarding the funeral arrangements:

Viewing - Friday, October 21, 2011- 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
St. James AME Church (Liberty City)
1845 NW 65th St
Miami, FL 33147-7439
Telephone: (305) 691-4212
FAX: (305) 691-0625

Funeral - Saturday, October 22, 2011- 11:00 a.m.
St. James AME Church (Liberty City)
1845 NW 65th St
Miami, FL 33147-7439
Ph: (305) 691-4212
Fax: (305) 691-0625
Eulogist: Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate, 11th Episcopal District

Funeral arrangements are being handled by:
Stone Funeral Home
516 King Street
Cocoa, FL 32922
Telephone: (321) 636-2344/632-2234
FAX: (321) 631-5243

Expressions Sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Audrey Johnson
17325 NW 18th Ave
Miami, FL 33167-1517

Telephone: (305) 626-8712


34. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Clara D. Dockery, on October 13, 2011. She was an associate minister at Tyree AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral - Friday, October 21, 2011

Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.

Tyree AME Church
3800 Hamilton Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Telephone: 215-222-5620/5621
Fax: 215-222-0211

The Rev. Esther Seales, Pastor

Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:

The Family of the Rev. Clara D. Dockery
632 N. 37th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-1950


35. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Ramona Hardiman, the sister of the Reverend William Hardiman, Jr., Presiding Elder, Grenada District-North Mississippi Conference. Mrs. Ramona Hardiman passed on Sunday, October 16, 2011.

Service Arrangements have been finalized and are as follows:

Visitation
Friday, October 21, 2011
1:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
Clark-Williams Funeral Home
602 Cherry Street
Grenada, Mississippi 38901
662-226-3451

Funeral
Saturday, October 22, 2011
11:00 a.m.
Abundant Life Assembly Church
1188 Cathey Drive
Grenada, Mississippi 38901

Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:

Presiding Elder William Hardiman, Jr.
P.O. Box 1124
Tunica, Mississippi 38876

Telephone: 662-357-3842
Email: whardiman0207@comcast.net


36. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Sister Tena Butler, the widow of the late Rev. Joel L. Butler of the Georgia Conference, Sixth Episcopal District. Sister Butler was 92 years old and was very active in the community and her church serving as president emeritus of the Blair-Roberts Stewardess Board of St. Philip AME Church in Savannah, GA.

A Memorial Service will be held on November 12, 2011 at 11 am at St. Philip AME Church, the Rev. Dr. John Foster is pastor.

Condolences may be sent to:

St. Philip AME Church
613 MLK Jr. Blvd.
Savannah, GA 31401

Telephone: 912-233-2083


37. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are sorry to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Dr. Harry Pierson who made his transition on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The Rev. Harry Pierson retired as pastor from Franklin AME Church in Niles, Michigan after serving for over 30 years in the Fourth Episcopal District. He faithfully served in the Indiana, Illinois and Michigan Conferences. After a lengthy illness he returned to New Albany, Indiana to be near his daughter during which time he joined Bethel AME Church in Jeffersonville, IN. While at Bethel he served as Assistant Pastor and was always willing to help in any way possible.

The funeral has been held.

Please send condolences to:

Mrs. Sabrina Pierson Langford
4121 Prestwick Square
New Albany, Indiana 47150

Telephone: 812-949-7129


38. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The funeral has been held in the 17th Episcopal District for retired Presiding Elder and pastor the Rev. David Kosamu Simfukwe, who was called from labor to reward on Monday, October 10th, 2011.

The funeral was held at:

Ebenezer Cathedral AME Church
Between Burma and Chilimbulu Roads
Chilenje
Lusaka, Zambia, Africa
The Reverend Michael Gondwe, Pastor

Arrangements were entrusted to:
B3 Funeral Services
SW 464, Lusaka,
Zambia 26001

Condolences may be expressed: Mr. Banda; Cell number: 011-260-977816388


39. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This missive comes to inform you of the Home Going of Sister Adrienne Campbell Dennis, the sister of Rev. Dr. Judith Campbell Moore, the pastor of First AME Church in Clairton, Pennsylvania and the Dean of the Board of Examiners of the Pittsburgh Annual Conference and sister in law of the first man of First AME Church, Clairton, Brother Leo Moore.

The funeral has been held.

Messages of Condolence can be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Judith Moore
1095 Francis Blvd.
New Kensington, PA 15068
Email: judithlucretia@aol.com

Please keep the family in prayer as another sister is critically ill.


40. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751

BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220


41. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.