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
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852
November:
National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
National Marrow Awareness Month
National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
National Marrow Awareness Month
1. EDITORIAL –NO EXCUSES OR MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The scandal at Penn State University has rocked not only the university, but also as shocked the state of Pennsylvania and the nation.
Penn State has been one of the premier academic institutions in the United States, not only for its football prowess but also for its academic accomplishments.
Penn State is a football powerhouse and its legendary coach Joe Paterno, up to this point, has been a heroic figure. Penn State's graduation rate for its athletes is noteworthy and it has one of the highest graduation rates for athletes in the country.
Penn State's academic and athletic prowess has been badly damaged by the child sex scandal and people are asking “How did such a thing happen?”
We're all familiar with the highly publicized sex scandals of the Roman Catholic Church; and a couple of years ago, the AME Church dealt with its own case of a sexual misconduct issue; and the AME Church forthrightly handled the issue.
The Penn State University sex scandal seems so out of context and so oxymoronic; after all, the major characters involved in the scandal were related to the Penn State athletic department; they were athletes, they were football players, strong, dominant, male figures.
What makes the Penn State issue so baffling is that no one would think there would be any issue involving adults in the athletic department sexually abusing children. No one would think that children would be in danger in the Penn State University athletic facilities or any other athletic facility; nor could anyone imagine that coaches would be involved in sexual misconduct with children. It's mind boggling and under normal circumstances, it doesn't make sense.
And, if that’s not enough, shortly after the Penn State University allegations came to light, Syracuse University placed associate head basketball coach Bernie Fine on administrative leave after a former Syracuse University youth volunteer ball boy accused Fine of years of sexual abuse at Fine’s home and office and on basketball team road trips. What other surprises are “out there?”
The mind-boggling oxymoronic nature of the events at Penn State and Syracuse University should cause the African Methodist Episcopal Church, generally and the all of us, in particular, to pause and to re-examine our sexual misconduct rules and to reexamine our social relationships, and especially the relationships of those in our Zion who volunteer with children.
The assumption that we are a religious organization and the notion that sexual misconduct and pedophilia should not be a problem in the religious sector needs constant re-examination. As with the Roman Catholic Church and other religious organizations, sexual misconduct is a reality among religious people and that’s why we should not let our guard down as it relates to clergy sexual misconduct. Added to that, the contagion theory becomes a reality because once sexual misconduct surfaces in the media, other individuals who may have, or thought they were the victims of inappropriate sexual relationships, are motivated to reveal their experiences.
It's so easy to forget
The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 deals extensively with Clergy Sexual Misconduct beginning on page 294.
I hope every bishop, general officer, presiding elder, pastor, local church officer, and every member has read about the rules of sexual misconduct in The Discipline. Those persons, who haven't read it, should do so to be certain that they are in compliance with the rules of The Discipline concerning clergy sexual misconduct.
When the issues of Penn State University reared its ugly head, it caused me to go back to The Discipline to re-read the Church's position on Clergy Sexual Misconduct. I read it again because I know it's so easy to forget the things we may have put on the “back burner,” but the events at Penn State and the allegations at Syracuse University puts the issue of sexual misconduct “on the front burner.”
I know that important things should be read again and again and experience tells me that just when we think it won’t happen to us…
Recap of what The Discipline says about clergy sexual misconduct
I am going to take license to quotes some things directly from The Discipline without using quotation marks. I suggest every clergy member and laity take the time to re-read the section in The Discipline on Clergy Sexual Misconduct
First and foremost, when sexual misconduct is reported, those in the chain of supervision, i.e., bishops, presiding elders, pastors, heads of organizations must take action. By the rules of The Discipline, they cannot ignore the allegations.
The Discipline has a long section that takes the time to define “sexual misconduct by clergy, staff, appointed or elected officers and volunteers within the African Methodist Episcopal Church and describes the procedures for reporting, responding to and investigating complaints of sexual misconduct with in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.”
The Discipline goes on to say, “Sexual misconduct will not be tolerated or allowed within the AME Church and the Church will take every step possible to prevent any and all sexual misconduct by clergy, staff appointed or elected officers or volunteers of the AME Church and the church will provide a clear reasonable meaningful and just response and resolution for complains and alleged perpetrators of sexual misconduct and the church will ensure that each party is provided with the kind of love and respect afforded us by the liberating and reconciling ministry of Jesus Christ.”
The Ministerial Efficiency Committee does not serve as the investigative and appeals bodies, judge and jury; those functions will be assumed by the Judicial Committee, Trial Committee or the Triers of Appeals in the Annual Conference.
The AME Church views sexual misconduct as an abuse of authority and power; and the breach of Christian ethical principles by misusing a relationship of trust to gain advantage over another for personal gratification in an abusive, exploitative and or unjust manner.
The AME Church also deals forthrightly with sexual harassment, which is defined as “unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors and other verbal or nonverbal conduct of a sexually offensive nature.”
Sexual harassment will not be tolerated. The Discipline says that sexual harassment includes, but not limited to sexually oriented jokes or humor, sexually demeaning comments, verbal suggestions of sexual involvement or sexual activity, questions or comments about sexual behavior, unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact; or graphic or degrading comments about an individual's physical appearance; and other non-physical-comments and behaviors of a sexual nature.
The Discipline is also clear in stating that sexual misconduct may be committed by either male or female and may involve same-sex or opposite sex encounter(s).
Inappropriate sexual misconduct may also involve a clergy sexual relationship between clergy persons and other persons, either laity or another clergy person. Single clergy romantic relationships may also come under scrutiny and members of the clergy must use good judgment and must demonstrate that the relationship is without exploitation regarding all relevant factors, including power dynamics, the personal history and emotional status of the subject of his or her romantic interest.
The AME Church takes a strong position against, and discourages sexual acts or contact between clergy and laity, even when consensual. The African Methodist Episcopal Church does not accept mitigating circumstances or excuses for sexual misconduct.
The Discipline mandates that all clergy and candidates for ministerial orders, employees, appointed or elected officials, and volunteers of the AME Church are required to attend training by experts on the issues of sexual misconduct. Each participant is required to sign a statement certifying that he or she has read, understood and been trained in the Policy; and will comply with the Policy.
All candidates for itinerant or local orders and pastors receiving a first pastoral assignment or who moves to a different pastoral assignment shall undergo a mandatory background check by the National Criminal History Background Check and clearance check through the local child protective service agency. Failure to sign a compliance statement will result in referral to the ministerial efficiency committee or in case of non-clergy to the steward board for disciplinary action.
In other words the sexual misconduct policy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is applicable to all clergy and to all laity who volunteer their services in the AME Church.
On page 300 of The Discipline, the policy and procedures for reporting a complaint of sexual misconduct is clearly laid out and every pastor should be familiar with the policies and procedures for reporting a complaint of sexual misconduct.
The Discipline also clearly explains the appeals process.
The bottomline for all AME clergy and laity is that there are no mitigating circumstances or excuses for clergy or laity sexual misconduct. Clergy and laity have no excuses such as, "I didn't know…" or "I wasn't aware…," because the issues surrounding sexual misconduct are clearly spelled out in The Discipline, because the moral implications about sexual misconduct are relevant to every clergy and laity in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The allegations of what happened at Penn State University, Syracuse University and in the Roman Catholic Church can easily happen in some of our communities and in some of our AME Churches.
It's incumbent upon all of us to do the “right thing” and to be diligent, forthright, and to be willing to report inappropriate behavior by clergy or laity to those who supervise them; and to the legal authorities.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIALS AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: AME Bishops among 11 women bishops to travel to holy land, November 5, 2011 issue of The Christian Recorder Online
Congratulations to Bishops Vashti McKenzie, Carolyn Guidry and Sarah Davis. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is blessed to have these courageous, committed and informed women of the A.M.E. Church giving leadership to International solidarity with women from Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions working for peace in the world community. We wish them much success and divine protection in this worthy undertaking, May God make them instruments of positive change.tr
Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning,
Bishop, Third District AME Church
- To the Editor:
RE: TCR Newsbreak: Sign the Student Aid Alliance Petition urging Congress to oppose further cuts to vital student aid such as the Pell Grant and the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants program
It's equally important for our young men between the ages of 18-25 to be registered under the Selective Service law. This is important and few of our AME clergy seem to be dutiful in communicating this part of civic responsibility. Failure to not be registered under Selective Service could mean forfeiture of Federal financial aid opportunities. Registration does not mean our young men are being drafted for military service but it does mean they are in compliance with the Federal law.
Bill Dickens
Editor’s Response: You have raised a great point about registering for the Selective Service. When I came along signing up for the Selective Service at 18 years of age was a rite of passage. I don’t hear anyone talking today about registering for the Selective Service. Thanks for the reminder.
3. “YOU ASK”:
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle
I Ask:
Why do some Presiding Elders have to ask the question during the 3rd or 4th Quarterly Conference, “How many want your pastor back?” But do not ask, “How many do not want your pastor back?”
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle’s Response to the Question:
While we appreciate this question, there are questions I raise concerning your question concerning, as you state, "some presiding elders…" Are the presiding elders presiding over the church to which you are a member? Is it presiding elders you are referring to presiding in districts in a specific annual conference? I am trying to get to the context of your question.
That notwithstanding, the Presiding Elder has the prerogative of having "conversations" with the Quarterly Conference, which are not necessarily disciplinary in nature, but could be considered "teaching moments" or as retired Presiding Elder, the Reverend C. E. Jenkins (11th Episcopal District) would call, "The moments of refreshment."
Some of these "conversations," while in an official setting, are not necessarily official or binding in nature, the question, which you ask, has been, or should be a part of the presiding elder’s report. I believe that it is appropriate for the presiding elder to ask in the third or fourth Quarterly Conference, “How many want your pastor back?” But, it is not appropriate to ask the question, “How many do not want your pastor back?”
It is my understanding of AME Polity that the question should not have to be raised at the third or fourth Quarter because every board and auxiliary in the local church is obligated to give a report its operation and condition.
This report consists of more than financial receipts, disbursements, balance; it includes statements about their activities, members’ concerns/care; how it cooperates with the overall program of the church including interaction with their pastor. This is the official quarterly statement of this board to the quarterly conference. If the board has a complaint, concern or an appeal which was/wasn't resolved in the Official Board meeting(s) then the said board should have registered with the church secretary the fact that they had an appeal to the quarterly conference.
If the appeal had been properly registered, the pastor and the secretary of the church were/was aware and set forth when the first disciplinary question is "are there any appeals?"
Let us go back to individual board reports and their right and responsibility to set forth their cares concerns, spiritual, and moral. This act has been performed by each board that is always given an opportunity to report. Just reading and hearing their report from the first through the fourth quarterly conference should be a clear indication concerning the relationship between the two.
On the other hand, to raise such a question about, wanting and not wanting a pastor back does not carry any weight whatsoever in African Methodism.
Pastors traditionally have been recommended by presiding elders and appointed but bishops based upon pastoral skills, expertise, godly judgment and "for the good of the church." Their assignment to a given congregation is not contingent upon who wants or do not want the pastor to return. Such requests coming from presiding elders and congregations are in no way binding upon the presiding bishop. The question is more in the realm of a “publicity stunt” than anything else.
4. MESSAGE FROM BISHOP MCKINLEY YOUNG ABOUT BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN HILDEBRAND:
The November 15, 2011
Dear friends of Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand:
Please note that Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand is in Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Room 2117 getting some much-needed physical therapy. He is healthy, strong, and doing well. Your prayers, cards and calls are welcomed
The Brooks rehabilitation center information: 3599 University Blvd. South, Jacksonville, FL 32216; telephone number: 904 858–7600.
Blessing and Peace,
Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate
Florida and Bahamas
5. DR. JOHNNY BARBOUR, JR. AND DR. RICHARD LEWIS AMONG THOSE AWARDED PLAQUES FROM 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT I BELIEVE, INC.:
Five individuals were given Special Recognition Award plaques last night (11/4/11) by the 13th Episcopal District’s I Believe, Inc. as part of the Musical Celebration. The concert was held at Great Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee as part of the 2011 13th Episcopal District Planning Meeting.
The plaques were presented to Mrs. Faye Walker, Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, Dr. Richard Lewis, Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., and Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III.
The awards were given for the individuals’ support of I Believe, Inc. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District and Chair of I Believe, Inc.; and Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie were also recognized and given plaques by Mr. Joe Turner, Vice-Chair of I Believe, Inc.
The musical concert featured gospel artists, L’Tanya Moore and Earnest Pugh; and the 13th Episcopal District Choir.
About I Believe, Incorporated - http://www.believeinc.org/
Believe, Incorporated (also hereto referred as “Believe, Inc.” or simply “Believe”) is a non-profit organization that represents the secular educational, economic, community development and outreach efforts. Believe, Inc. seeks to identify new resources and to provide small grants to churches, organizations, and individuals who are eligible to apply.
6. BISHOP MCKENZIE ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO SEND A THANK YOU NOTE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:
After hearing a sermon delivered by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bess, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia who preached a sermon about the 10 lepers who were healed by Jesus and only one of the healed lepers returned to Jesus to say, “thank you.” Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie commented after the sermon about the importance of saying “thank you!” She went on to challenge the congregation to write President Barack Obama a thank you note. She explained that presidents are criticized for every decision they make and President Barack Obama has received a lot of criticism and probably receives few thank you notes. She went on to say, “Sit down and write or email a short thank you note to the president to thank him for being the President of our great nation and to express our thanks for what he is trying to do.”
Bishop McKenzie also share that Bishop John and Supervisor Cecelia Bryant are encouraging members of the 4th Episcopal District to send the President thank you notes.
Mailing Address:
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
7. AMEC SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION SALE OF BOOKS AND RELIGIOUS ITEMS:
Limited time sale hosted by the AMEC Sunday School Union. Sale items are for clergy and laity.
To order by telephone call: 800. 648-8724
8. VENDOR BOOTH SPACE RESERVATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 49TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Vendor booth space reservations are now being accepted for the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – June 27- July 4, 2012
The 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Church will be hosting the 49th Quadrennial Session of the African Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference – June 27 – July 4, 2012 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Vendors are extended an invitation to secure booth space at the General Conference.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District and Host Bishop for the General Conference.
Presiding Elder Troy Thomas and the Rev. Maxine Thomas are the vendor chairs. To secure vendor booths contact them at (859) 224-9961; email: AMEMall2012@gmail.com
9. AMEC LEADERS - BISHOP JOHN WHITE AND DR. DARYL INGRAM ON WCC-USA LEADERSHIP TEAM:
Michael Kinnamon's tenure as NCC general secretary winds down
Michael Kinnamon told the Governing Board this week that his cardiologist has advised him that the heavy travel schedule and other demands of his office are detrimental to his health. He signaled his intention to step down as soon as a transition process can be worked out.
In a statement released Wednesday, the governing board said it "received the news with reverence and respect for Kinnamon’s leadership of the council during the last four years" and many expressed “a sense of loss and offered tributes of appreciation for his ministry."
NCC President Peg Chemberlin noted that “Kinnamon’s announcement comes at a challenging time for the life of the council but we’re encouraged that Michael is willing to work with us on this important transition and be a resource to us going forward.”
The council’s existing Task Force on General Secretary Oversight will meet with Kinnamon to draft a mutually agreeable separation agreement that the NCC’s Executive Committee can act upon at its December meeting.
At the same time, NCC President Peg Chemberlin and President-elect Kathryn Lohre will develop a proposal for transitional leadership for the Executive Committee to consider in December.
The following persons were installed as elected officers of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA for the 2012-2015 quadrennium.
1) Kathryn Mary Lohre – President
2) The Rev. A. Roy Medley – Vice-President/President-Elect
3) The Rev. Canon Peg Chemberlin – Immediate Past President
4) The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson – Secretary
5) Bishop John F. White – Vice-President-Finance and Administration
6) The Rev. Jose’ Luis Casal – Vice President
7) Dr. Earl D. Trent, Jr. – Vice President
8) The Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins – Vice-President
9) The Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram – Chair, Education & Leadership Ministries Commission
10) Dr. Anthony Vrame – Chair, Faith & Order Commission
11) Dr. Peter Makari – Chair, Interfaith Relations Commission
12) The Rev. Jerry Van Marter – Chair, Communication Commission
* Submitted by Bishop John F. White, Ecumenical & Urban Affairs Officer. African Methodist Episcopal Church
10. NEWS FROM THE 3RD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate of the 3rd Episcopal District wraps up his fourth Planning Meeting of the Quadrennium with the following appointments:
- Chaplain (Colonel) Wilfred Bristol, transferred from the Ohio Conference to the Second Episcopal District
- The Rev. Dr. John Newby, transferred from the South Ohio Conference to the North Ohio Conference and assigned to the St. Paul AME Church, Lima, Ohio
- The Rev. Brandon Davis, transferred from the North Ohio Conference to the West Virginia Conference and assigned to Wayman AME, Wheeling, West Virginia
- The Rev. James Murray, transferred from the Pittsburgh Conference to the North Ohio Conference and assigned to the Greater Avery AME, Cleveland, Ohio
- The Rev. Andrew Newberry, transferred from the North Ohio Conference to the Pittsburgh Conference and assigned to the Brown Chapel AME, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- The Rev. Angela Walker Dudley, transferred from the South Ohio Conference to the North Ohio Conference and assigned to the Greater St. Matthew AME, Lorain, Ohio
- The Rev. John McCants was assigned to Bethel, Oxford, Ohio
- The Rev. Louise Jackson assigned to Mitchell Chapel, Mansfield, Ohio
- The Rev. Henry F. Curtis, IV, assigned to Mt. Moriah, Maple Heights, Ohio
- The Rev. Mila Cooper, assigned as Co-Pastor, St. James, Cleveland, Ohio
- The Rev. Robert Dye will supply Bethel, Lockland, Ohio
- The Rev. Rodrecus Johnson, Jr., transferred from the North Ohio Conference and assigned to St. James, Pittsburgh
- Mrs. Joann Harris appointed President of the Third District Women’s Missionary Society
- Mrs. Gloria Rodgers appointed First vice President, Episcopal District WMS
- Mrs. Quereda Covington appointed District YPD Director
Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Pastor, St. John AME, Cleveland, Ohio
11. DR. OBERY HENDRICK, FORMER PRESIDENT OF PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY HAS A NEW BOOK – THE UNIVERSE BENDS TOWARDS JUSTICE:
Obery Hendricks: The Universe Bends Towards Justice
Thursday, November 17th, 2011, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
First Corinthians Baptist Church, Sanctuary Auditorium
1912 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd (at 116th Street)
A talk was given by Obery M. Hendricks Jr. on his new book, The Universe Bends Towards Justice. The book includes essays on the gap between the spirituality of the church and of Jesus; the ways in which contemporary gospel music sensationalize today’s churches into social and political irrelevance; and how the economic policies espoused by the religious right betray the same biblical tradition they claim to hold dear.
Obery M. Hendricks Jr. is a Visiting Scholar in Religion and African American Studies at Columbia and author of The Politics of Jesus.
12. URGE CONGRESS TO OPPOSE FURTHER CUTS TO VITAL STUDENT AID:
*The Rev. Erika D. Crawford
Have you benefited from Federal Financial Aid? Do you have children, friends or members of your faith community who have or are benefiting from Federal Financial Aid? If you answered yes to either of these questions this message is for you.
Help our young people by signing the Student Aid Alliance Petition urging Congress to oppose further cuts to vital student aid such as the Pell Grant and the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG) program. Please click on the link below and sign the petition today.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (2009); 2007–08 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS: 08) Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2007–08, report 65% of undergraduates receive some sort of Financial Aid ( which includes but is not limited to Grants, Work Study and Student Loans).
This week is the pivotal week for the Congressional Super Committee’s deliberations as they have until November 23 to reach agreement and release it from the committee. Our young people need your help, NOW!!! There isn't time to waste. Assist this and the next generation of students by signing the Student Aid Alliance Petition and urging Congress to oppose further cuts to vital student aid such as the Pell Grant and the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG) program.
You can stand up for student aid!
Please take one minute to support student aid and sign the petition. Join nearly 80,000 other student aid advocates from across the country in signing a simple statement sharing your belief that student aid funding must be preserved. Every signature counts!
Take action by signing on to a simple online statement of support:
http://action.studentaidalliance.org/5371/save-student-aid-statement-support/
By signing the statement, you will join your fellow supporters from across the country in asking the Super Committee and our elected officials to Save Federal Student Aid.
*The Rev. Erika D. Crawford is the pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Rahway, New Jersey
13. THANKSGIVING AND CELEBRATION:
A Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration sponsored by the Middle Tennessee Area Ministerial Fellowships, and the North Nashville and South Nashville Presiding Elder Districts of the Tennessee Annual Conference will be held at Greater Bethel AME Church, 1300 South Street, Nashville, TN, on Sunday, November 20, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. The Special Guests will be Rev. Darryl Drumwright and the Temple Church. The Tennessee Conference Choir will be featured.
Proceeds will benefit the Recovery Movement and the Clement W. Fugh Campaign for Episcopal Service – 2012.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to exhibit your commitment to the Team 13 Candidate by your presence and by your monetary support.
If you are unable to attend, contributions may be submitted online by visiting www.RecoveryMovement.org and clicking on Make a Contribution OR by mailing:
The Recovery Movement
PO Box 331028
Nashville, TN 37203
14. ST. PHILIP AME CHURCH, HAMILTON, BERMUDA ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY OBSERVANCES:
Presiding Anne Henning-Byfield will be the preacher for the St. Philip AME Church Annual Women’s Day Observances - Sunday, 20th November 2011 at 11 am and 4 p.m. St. Philip AME Church is located 102 Harrington Sound Road, Smith's Parish HS 01, Bermuda
A warm invitation is extended to you to attend our Annual Women’s Day Observances, at which time, Presiding Elder the Rev. Ann Henning Byfield will be our Guest Preacher.
The Women’s Day theme is “Women Walking in the Divine Will of God”, with the Scripture text taken from Romans 12:1-2.
We hope you will come and share with us and be blessed by the dynamic preaching of Presiding Elder Henning Byfield who is a 2012 candidate for Episcopal Service in the AME Church.
You will also be blessed with the anointed ministry of Sis. Cindy Smith – New Testament Church of God Healing Center. Sister Smith is a daughter of St, Philip and we are pleased that she will be ministering with us in the 11 am worship experience.
We look forward to your attendance and support as we worship the Lord in spirit and truth.
Yours in the Master’s Service
Presiding Elder Rev. Betty L. Furbert-Woolridge JP, pastor
Sister Wilhelmina Smith, Chair; Sister Maria Trott, Co-Chair
15. GOLFER BRIA' SANDERS MEETS CONGRESSMAN STEVE COHEN:
By Joyce Crawford
Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) took time out of his busy schedule to meet with Memphis junior golfer, and former Memphis School student Bria' Sanders, at his Memphis office recently after learning about her educational and golf achievements.
The congressman was interested in learning of Bria' attending The Hank Haney Intl. Junior Golf Academy (HH IJGA) www.ijga.com and surprised she attends the entire school year. "Must be awfully hard to go to high school in Hilton Head Island," he said with a smiled.
Bria' told the congressman students from more than thirty countries attend the academy and she has learned to speak to her friends in Spanish and write in Korean. "My roommates were from Thailand, and Canada this past year", added Bria'.
She also told him about her school schedule, "School is 7:30 to 12:30, lunch, and then golf practice from 1:30 to 5 PM daily."
Rep. Cohen was impressed when he asked about her grades. Bria' responded, "I ended up with a 3.7 GPA this year and I did some community service work traveling from Hilton Head to Savannah, GA to teach golf to kids at the First Tee of Savannah with other students from HHIJGA".
Equally impressive was Bria's golf record at the academy. She ranked second nationally on the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) in her first year of competition and was selected to the 2011 All IJGT Team. In addition, she traveled to Orlando to receive an award from Hank Haney for being selected to the team this past June.
At the close of the meeting, Rep. Cohen presented Bria' with the Congressional Award for Meritorious Achievement. "You keep up the good work, I'm very proud of you young lady."
Bria' also took time, before returning to school, to take students from local schools on an engineering field trip to Christian Brothers University (CBU) sponsored by the Bria' Sanders Foundation. Bria's foundation provides Science, Technology Engineering, and Math (STEM) field trips for students in the area. "Mr. Price took us through the CBU labs and showed us how they perform test, the CBU students had made a cool dune buggy, but we couldn't ride it", Bria' said with a smile. Randel M. Price is Associate Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at CBU.
This summer, when she was not practicing six days a week at Quail Ridge Golf Course, Bria' could be spotted working out with her trainer, Tony Knox, at the Forever Fit Gym in the Crescent Building on Poplar.
Bria' received an invitation to participate in the 2011 Black Enterprise Golf and Tennis Challenge being held at Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida. "It's a great honor and I hope I can go", stated Bria, "It's tough on my parents sending me to school and turning around and flying me down to the Black Enterprise event, but what a great opportunity".
Bria' who is preparing to leave the second week in August for the start of her second school year at HHIJGA will be in the tenth grade. "I'm going to miss my family and friends but we'll stay in contact via Skype and Facebook".
Bria's family moved to the Memphis area from Atlanta, Georgia and attended Ben Hill United Methodist Church. For more information on Bria' go to her website at www.briasanders.org/.
*Used with permission of Joyce Crawford
16. CHANGING HISTORY FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE IN 2011 AND BEYOND:
By Bishop Don DiXon Williams
As the holiday season approaches, there is no shortage of messages encouraging us to help people in need. From the Salvation Army Santa Claus outside your local supermarket to food banks and soup kitchens preparing to provide families with holiday meals, this season seems to foster a care for the most vulnerable that is unmatched at other times of the year. Bread for the World encourages readers to maintain this momentum all year long because hunger and poverty know no seasons.
Nowhere is this more apparent than on Capitol Hill. For more than a year now, Congress has focused on reducing the federal deficit, and the budget discussions have morphed into a debate about our national priorities. The deficit-reduction proposals Congress is considering could result in the most severe cuts to programs for hungry and poor people in decades. Throughout 2011, Bread for the World encouraged Congress and the administration to form a circle of protection around programs that help vulnerable people lift themselves out of poverty. We saw minor victories in 2011, but the battle wages on.
Congress is considering deep cuts to federal nutrition programs as well as U.S. investments in agricultural development, microfinance, education, and safe water in developing countries. These programs amount to about 15 percent of the federal budget, but their impact is huge. Cutting them will hurt families across the United States who continue to feel the impacts of the recession. It will also cost lives in the poorest countries and add to global political instability.
During Thanksgiving week each year, Bread for the World releases its Hunger Report—an annual look at the state of world hunger. This year’s report explores opportunities to rebalance U.S. farm policies, documents the importance of food assistance in the United States and food aid internationally, and proposes reforms to make both more nutritious.
To keep this momentum going, Bread for the World’s 2012 Offering of Letters, which launches in January 2012, will continue asking Congress, as it considers deficit-reduction measures, to protect programs for hungry and poor people in this country and around the world.
For many people in need, the holidays can be a reminder of all they don’t have—and there are many reasons to be discouraged these days. We see it as our duty to “Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy,” as Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us. We see using our voices to advocate on behalf of hungry and poor people as an opportunity to take a stance and make a difference. Throughout the 2011 holiday season and beyond, we will urge Congress to give moral priority to programs that help vulnerable people lift themselves out of poverty in these difficult economic times.
Bishop Don DiXon Williams is racial/ethnic outreach associate at Bread for the World, and sits on the Board of Bishops of the United Church of Jesus Christ, Baltimore, MD.
17. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! MEMBERS OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. PRESENT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE WITH $100,000:
ATLANTA, October 31, 2011 - The men of Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. have completed their mission to meet a $100,000 fundraising goal to commemorate the fraternity’s Centennial celebration and the chapter’s 90th anniversary.
The chapter presented a $100,000 check to Morehouse President Dr. Robert M. Franklin during halftime of Morehouse’s homecoming game on October 22. The gift will establish the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Psi Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund at Morehouse College. Psi Chapter, which is chartered at Morehouse College, is the first fraternity to reach a fundraising milestone.
The effort to establish the endowment began after members of the chapters’ 1978 pledge-line – The Clone 10 – lost one of their line brothers unexpectedly when Dr. David E. Flowers passed away in 2007. That’s when Duane Davis, a financial advisor and member of the organization, led the effort for his line brothers and chapter to begin the fundraising drive.
“We needed to put our energy into something special to honor David and we decided that an endowed scholarship could outlast all of us and add a purpose to our homecoming party,” Davis said. “This year we endowed the fund and next year we will award scholarships to four deserving Morehouse men.”
The chapter’s next goal is to grow the endowment to $250,000 by its 100th anniversary, in ten years. The goal, however, doesn’t stop there. The men of Psi Chapter are challenging all fraternities at Morehouse and sororities at nearby Spelman College to endow scholarships as well.
Davis hopes it is an idea that will grow beyond the two small liberal arts colleges to a national effort at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“Sometimes all it takes is a spark to inspire a movement,” he said. “We hope that we can be a spark for future Morehouse scholars and for all Greeks with this effort.”
18. NAACP MOURNS PASSING OF AMEZ BISHOP CLARENCE CARR:
(Baltimore, MD) – The NAACP mourns the loss of Bishop Clarence Carr, prolific pastor and former member of the NAACP Board of Directors. He passed away on November 16, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Carr, and their two children.
The wake for Bishop Carr will take place Monday, November 21, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm, at Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, 775 Hurt Road, Smyrna, GA 30082. The funeral service will take place Tuesday, November 22, at 11:00 am at Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church.
“Bishop Carr was a highly esteemed member of the NAACP family, both on the Board of Directors and in his home state of Missouri,” stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “His abiding faith made him a deeply effective and inspirational crusader for social justice and progress.”
“The NAACP and the faith community have lost a man of great faith and great belief in the power of social change,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “His wisdom and his contributions to the NAACP, on both the local and national level, will truly be missed.”
“Bishop Carr was a gentle, kind, gracious and committed soul who demonstrated a commitment to the church of Jesus Christ, the culture of his people, and loyalty to his country,” stated Dr. Amos Brown, Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee of the NAACP Board of Directors. “He epitomized the best of that faith tradition which embraces piety, political activism, personal salvation and social salvation, pride in one’s ethnicity and acceptance of all ethnic groups, religions and cultural expressions.”
“The A.M.E. Zion Church pauses for a moment to remember the life of Bishop Clarence Carr, a servant who gave his service to the Church of God, in particular to the A.M.E. Zion Church,” stated Bishop Roy A. Holmes. “He was a dynamic preacher, a beloved under shepherd, and a princely bishop. He was a model of faithful servant leadership, inspiring clergy and laity alike, one who embraced the mission and work of the Ecumenical Church. He has exchanged time for eternity, mortality for immortality, and is now among that great cloud of witnesses spoken of in the scripture Hebrew 12.”
Bishop Carr served on the NAACP Board of Directors from 1998 to 2010. He held positions on several key committees, including Vice Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee, and member of the Criminal Justice, Life Membership and International Affairs committees. He was also active in the St. Louis NAACP and the NAACP Missouri State Conference.
Bishop Carr served as Chairman of the Board of Bishops in the A.M.E. Zion Church. In his career, he pastored at a number of churches, including: Roosevelt Mission, Roosevelt, Long Island, NY; Grace, Patchogue, Long Island, NY; Moore’s Chapel, Lincolnton, NC; Southern City, East Spencer, NC; Jackson Memorial, Hempstead, Long Island, NY; and Washington Metropolitan, St. Louis, Missouri.
He was involved in extensive civic activities, including: member of the Board of Alderman, East Spencer, NC; Mayor-Pro Tem, East Spencer, NC; member of Village of Hempstead Board of Trustees Senior Citizen Nutritional and Recreational Program, Nassau County, NY; leadership role in the integration of public school, Rowan County, NC; establishment of Group Home for Juveniles Boys and Girls, Hempstead, NY; completion of Phase III of Lucas Heights Housing Development, St. Louis, MO.; participation in organizing the Airport Chaplaincy, St. Louis, MO.; and chairperson of Tower Village Nursing Home Board, St. Louis, MO.
Bishop Carr was elected to the episcopacy from the pastorate of Washington Metropolitan, and consecrated the 89th Bishop on July 28, 1992 by the 44th General Conference meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. After earning his B.A. degree from Livingstone College in 1970, he earned his M. Div. from Hood Theological Seminary in 1972.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
19. EVANGECUBE’S POWER OF 12 CHALLENGE TO REACH 12 MILLION BY END OF 2012:
Joelle Polisky
Franklin, Tenn. – e3 Resources the makers of EvangeCube are challenging a million Christians to use the evangelism tool to share the gospel with one new person each month for 12 months – with the ultimate goal of 12 million gospel presentations in 2012. The challenge is being issued by e3 Resources, the maker of the EvangeCube, to commemorate the 12-year anniversary of the evangelism tool’s creation.
“With more than two billion Christians around the world, e3 wants to spread the word and power of God’s message of Christ from your neighborhood to rest of the world,” stated Casey See, Executive Director of e3 Resources . “e3 Resources is looking for one million believers to answer the call to share the gospel (Matthew 28:19). The challenge is as simple as using EvangeCube.”
Why 12? The number, which represents perfection, is the product of three (a heavenly and perfectly divine number) and four (which symbolizes the earth, what is material and organic. Twelve also has prominent usages throughout the Bible: the 12 sons (tribes) of Israel; 12 judges; 12 gates; 12 disciples; and Jesus was 12 years of age when he spoke his first recorded words.
The second step to the “Power of 12” challenge asks believers to document their experience and share it with e3Resources—to send in photos, videos and stories of their EvangeCube experience to excite, encourage and invite others to join the team. These images will become a photo-collage that creates the face of Jesus, showing how it takes ALL of us to make a difference and how we can each share in reflecting HIS presence in our lives. Folks are asked to submitting photos, videos and stories to the e3 website at http://e3resources.org/.
20. THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER:
*Brother Richard Caldwell
O give thanks unto The Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.
We thank You, Father, for the blessings You bestow on your children; blessings seen and unseen. We thank You for the changing of the seasons that brings the beauty of Your earth before our eyes. Only You, Father, can do the things that You do.
Continue to bless the African Methodist Episcopal Church and its leadership, Father. The Holy Spirit was present in our Annual Conferences, and we pray for that same Spirit for our Bishop’s Planning Meeting and the Presiding Elders’ District meetings.
We thank You, Father, for giving us the privilege of voting. Some have sacrificed their lives in the past so that we presently have the privilege to vote in City, State and National elections. We thank You for our President, Barack Obama. We know Your hand was upon him to be placed in this office. May You continue to bless his family and his administration.
We ask for continued blessings for the men and women serving in the armed services and their families. You said in Your Word that if my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. May we pray for this healing.
Father, we will be celebrating a national holiday, Thanksgiving Day this month. We know, Father, that every day is a day of Thanksgiving with You. We sow seeds in the field, but You give the increase. You give us favor in the sick room and the court room. You are a heart fixer and a mind regulator, making a way out of no way. You keep blessing us over and over again. This is why we thank You, Father, because You can exceed our expectation.
All of these blessings we ask in the Matchless name of Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Song of the month: Thank You Lord
*Brother Richard Caldwell is a member of the Lay Organization of Bethel AME Church in Columbus, Ohio
21. THE PASTOR’S CORNER – “SPIRITUAL FORMATION: THEY CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME”:
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.
My grandfather, James N. Moody, Sr. was an educator in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. His children all achieved graduate degrees in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The immigrant from Belize truly believed that an education was one thing that could not be taken away from someone.
There seems to be some biblical support for the assertion that personal growth is something that cannot be wrested from the one that possesses it.
In the passage above, Jesus is responding to the complaint lodged by Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary. Martha contended that Mary was shirking her responsibilities by sitting at the feet of Jesus while there was so much work to be done. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Jesus’ reply speaks to the need in each believer for something of higher import than doing the physical work required in kingdom building. Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.” Jesus responded to Martha’s complaint by actually commending Mary’s actions by declaring, “Mary has chosen what is better…”
Over the past two weeks the disciples at Quinn Chapel have engaged in teaching that points to the need for spiritual preparation and the baptism of the Holy Ghost to be able to carry out their authorized assignments. We learned that the inspiration for work in the vineyard and the power to do it does not come from ourselves or from what is before us – such as the needs of people; the work to be done; not even the sincere desire to be useful in the kingdom.
People will be ungrateful and their ingratitude will discourage our efforts. The amount of work to be done in addressing the world’s problems is beyond the capacity of any human being or organization to successfully complete and will soon weary even the most tenacious workers. Wanting to be useful to Christ is easily diverted by the distractions, cares, material needs and temptations that assail the believer.
When Jesus ate the final Passover with His disciples, He instructed them saying, “This is my body broken for you; do this in remembrance of me.” The inspiration for our work can only be received, not by looking before ourselves, but instead behind some two thousand years ago at the Cross of Jesus Christ. Only in response to the suffering, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can the believer remain inspired to attempt the work of the kingdom.
When Jesus had risen from the tomb and was about to ascend into heaven to return to the Father, He had already given His disciples their assignment to fulfill here on earth. Yet Jesus instructed them saying, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” The power to fulfill our authorized assignments as kingdom builders comes only through the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Ephesians 5: 18 tells us to “…be filled with the Holy Spirit.” This really is a command given as an imperative in the present and future tense. We must continually be being filled with the presence of Christ’s Spirit. This is something we must do now and must do every second of every minute by yielding to the presence of the Holy Ghost.
Living in response to the Cross and being filled with the Holy Spirit, we today, must do as Mary did; and sit at the Lord’s feet. The forming of Christ’s Spirit in us through sitting at His feet brings about a transformation reflects the fact that I am a new creature in Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives within me. And they can’t take that away from me.
22. MID-WEEK MEDITATION ~BASED ON HEBREWS 13:1-9:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
One of life’s enduring blessings is realizing how parents can learn from their children. I was driving my oldest son to school in the days when “Hip-Hop” was the latest musical trend. He loved and insisted on listening to it, but when a particularly offensive and suggestive song came on the radio, I turned to my favorite “oldies” station while telling him how the music of my day had substance and meaning. I politely swallowed my words and turned back to his station when Millie Jackson came on my “oldies” station singing, “If loving you is wrong, I don’t want to do right!”
That pleasantly humbling experience reminded me that every generation embraces its own unique music, styles and culture that seem totally foreign and often irritatingly offensive to their parents, but those trends usually moderate and become accepted over time. What’s new and contemporary doesn’t get in the way of what’s enduring, if the older generation takes the time to pass life’s enduring lessons on to the new generation.
That’s especially true of the lessons of faith that endure from generation to generation. It’s easy in an age of text messages and e-mails, in an age of streaming video and iPads, to talk about how things have changed. It’s comforting, though, to realize that in spite of those changes, the God who created all that exists and keeps this world in order is always here to bless us, provide for us, console us and hear our every prayer.
Let the enduring God who sent His Son into this world to steady us - regardless of life’s twists, turns and trends - be the foundation of your life in an ever changing world, and rely on God to order your steps and guide your feet. When you do, then even in the swirling seas of a changing and challenging world, you’ll always have a reliable anchor for your spirit.
I now smile when my oldest son lectures his younger brother about how things were different “back in his day.” Twenty years from now, the children of both of my sons’ generations will tease their parents about their “old hip-hop music,” but regardless of the generation, the Biblical writer’s words are still true - “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.” Styles change, music changes, technology changes, but in spite of life’s changes, concerns and problems, one thing endures - from generation to generation we can count on Jesus.
Get Ready for Sunday!
Join us for Worship at 10 am on November 20, when we’ll also celebrate Educators’ Appreciation Day. We’ll also celebrate the Sunday of Christ the King, which heralds the beginning of the Season of Advent. The Combined Choir, Praise Dance Ministry, Voices of Promise and Young Adult Choir will offer praise.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Colossians 1:9-18
Luke 1:68-79
Sunday’s Sermon is “Trust in King Jesus”
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
23. DRAFT -THE 49TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
OFFICIAL PROGRAM
“Exalting Christ to Impact the World”
Gaylord Opryland
Nashville Resort and Conference Center
Nashville, Tennessee
June 27-July 4, 2012
Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram
General Conference Commission Chairperson
Bishop William P. DeVeaux
Program Committee Chairperson
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Host Bishop
*********
Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Council of Bishops President Organizer
4:00 pm General Board Organization
A. Pre-General Conference Activities
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012 REVISIONS COMMITTEE
MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2012 CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
RULES COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012 GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMISSION
HEALTH COMMISSION ORIENTATION FOR DELEGATES
PLATINUM GOLF TOURNAMENT
THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT BANQUET
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Host Bishop
B. Special Events
TBA
C. General Conference Agenda
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 First Day
10:00 am Opening Worship Service
Bishop John R. Bryant, Worship Leader
Bishop McKinley Young, Preacher
1:00 pm Lunch
3:00 pm Business Session I
Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding
Roll Call
Credentials Committee Report
Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding
Rules Committee Report
General Conference Commission
Election of General Secretary and Staff
Election of the Episcopal Committee Chairperson
Announcements
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm-9:45 pm Business Session II
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Presiding
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding
Call to Order
Episcopal Address: Bishop C. Garnett Henning
Announcements
Adjournment
Thursday, June 28, 2012 Second Day
7:00 am-8:00
am Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 am-9:00 am Proclamation or Bible Study
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding
Dr. James C. Wade, Leader
Executive Director, Dept. of Church Growth & Development
9:00 am-12:00 pm Business Session III
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding
Call to Order
Minutes
Reports: Treasurer
General Secretary
Dept. of Annuity Investments & Insurance
Episcopal Committee’s (First)
Bishop A. J. Richardson, Presiding
Reports: Revisions Committee’s (First)
Judicial Council
AMEC Sunday School Union
Department of Christian Education
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm-5:30 pm Business Session IV
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Presiding
Call to Order
Reports: Revision Committee’s (Second Report)
Election Commission
Department of Global Witness and Ministry
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding
Reports: Global Development Council (GDC)
Department of Research and Scholarship
The Christian Recorder
Department of Church Growth & Development
Lay Organization
Connectional Lay Centennial Observance
Announcements
Adjournment
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm-9:45 pm Business Session V
Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding
Call to Order
Reports: SADA
Women’s Missionary Society
Revision Committee’s (Third)
Debutante Master’s Commission
Educational Institutions
Theological Institutions
Bishop Preston W. Williams, Presiding
Reports: Episcopal District Projects
Episcopal Committee (Second)
Overseas Development
Social Action
Announcements
Adjournment
Friday, June 29, 2012 Third Day
7:00 am-8:00 am Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 am-9:00 am Proclamation or Bible Study
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Presiding
Dr. James C. Wade, Leader
Executive Director, Dept. of Church Growth & Development
9:00 am-12:00 pm Business Session VI
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Presiding
Call to Order
Minutes
Reports: Commission on Stewardship & Finance
Revisions Committee (Fourth)
Connectional Music
Memoirs
Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe, Presiding
Reports: State of the Church
Health Commission
Economic Development
Public Relations
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 pm Lunch
5
2:00 pm-5:30 pm Business Session VII
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding
Call to Order
Reports: CONVO
Sons of Allen
Revisions Committee (Fifth)
Bishop James L. Davis, Presiding
Reports: Episcopal Committee (Third)
Strategic Planning
Announcements
Adjournment
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm-9:45 pm Ecumenical Service
Bishop John F. White, Presiding
Reception of Fraternal Delegates
9:45 pm-10:00 pm Evening Prayers
Saturday, June 30, 2012 Fourth Day
7:00 am-8:00 am Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 am-9:00 am Proclamation or Bible Study
Bishop David R. Daniels, Presiding
Dr. James C. Wade, Leader
Executive Director, Dept. of Church Growth & Development
9:00 am-12:00 pm Business Session VIII
Bishop David R. Daniels, Presiding
Call to Order
Minutes
Reports: Revisions Committee (Sixth)
Women In Ministry (WIM)
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding
Report: Budget & Finance Committee
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm-5:30 pm Business Session IX
Bishop Sarah Frances Davis, Presiding
Call to Order
Reports: Revisions Committee (Seventh—last opportunity to present new legislation)
Budget and Finance Committee (Final)
Announcements
Adjournment
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm-9:45 pm Retirement Service for Bishops
Retirement Service for General Officers
Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Presiding
Sunday, July 1, 2012 Fifth Day
7:00 am Connectional Lay Organization Breakfast
8:00 am Church School
Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director
Department of Christian Education
10:00 am Worship Service & Holy Communion
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Presiding
Preaching TBA
2:30 pm AME-WIM Meeting – Elections (Following the Morning Worship Service)
3:00 pm The Christian Debutante-Masters Dedication
Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Presiding
4:00 pm AME-WIM Meeting – Candidate Forum (Following the AME-WIM Elections)
6:00 pm-9:00 pm Special Event
10:00 pm Youth Explosion
Monday, July 2, 2012 Sixth Day
7:00 am-8:00 am Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 am-9:00 am Proclamation or Bible Study
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Presiding
Dr. James C. Wade, Leader
Executive Director, Dept. of Church Growth & Development
9:00 am-12:00 pm Business Session X
Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Presiding
Call to Order
Minutes
Revisions Committee (Eighth Report)
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 pm Lunch
7
2:00 pm-5:30 pm Business Session XI
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Presiding
Election of Bishops, General Officers, & Judicial Council
Announcements
Adjournment
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm-9:45 pm TBA
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 Seventh Day
7:00 am-8:00 am Episcopal District Delegation and Committee Meetings
8:00 am-9:00 am Proclamation or Bible Study
Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Presiding
Dr. James C. Wade, Leader
Executive Director, Dept. of Church Growth & Development
9:00 am-12:00 pm Business Session XII
Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Presiding
Call to Order
Episcopal District Nominations
Installation of General Officers
Minutes
Resolutions
Revisions Committee (Final Report)
Announcements
Adjournment
12:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm-5:30 pm TBA
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm-9:45 pm TBA
Wednesday, July 4, 2012 Eighth Day
9:00 am Consecration Service
Worship Leader TBA
Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop, Preaching
11:30 am Business Session XIII
Bishop John F. White, Presiding
Call to Order
Assignment of Bishops
General Board Meeting
President of Bishops Council, Organizer
4:00 pm General Board Organization
24. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Dr. Valerie Sheares Ashby named Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Valerie Sheares Ashby, Ph.D., the daughter of Shirley J. Sheares, immediate past WMS Connectional Chair of Life Members and the late Reverend James Sheares, former presiding elder and pastor in the Western North Carolina Conference, 2nd Episcopal District, was named Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Michael T. Crimmins, Senior Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in making the announcement stated “I am pleased to announce that Valerie Ashby has agreed to assume the role of Chair of the Department of Chemistry effective July 1, 2012. I greatly appreciate Valerie's willingness to step forward to take on this important responsibility. I am confident that she has the energy and leadership skills to serve the chemistry department well in this critical role."
Valerie Sheares Ashby Professional Background:
B.A. Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1988); Ph.D. Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1994), Advisor: Joseph M. DeSimone, Kodak Corporate Research Fellowship, 1995 ACS Graduate Research Award in Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering; National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow and NATO Postdoctoral Fellow (1994-1995), Universitat Mainz, Germany, Advisor: Reimund Stadler; National Science Foundation in a Faculty Early Career Development Award (1997-2001); Dupont Young Faculty Award (1997-2000); 3M Young Faculty Award (1998-2001); UNC's Sitterson Award for Freshman Teaching (2008)
Valerie Sheares Ashby a former YPD'er, has served on the AME Church Episcopal Committee as a youth delegate.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to her proud Mom, Shirley J. Sheares: shearess@yahoo.com.
- An “Evening With Florence” Returns To Kansas City Missouri - a Family of Mrs. Florence C. Hall’s 90 years of Life
The Family of Mrs. Florence C. Hall celebrated her 90 years of Life and the Legendary Return of her one woman Show "An Evening with Florence" on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Bethel AME Church in Kansas City Missouri. Family and Friends will gathered to fete this highly celebrated actress, mother, businesswoman and former first lady for her 90th Birthday on November 12, 2011 at Bethel AME Church in Kansas City Missouri.
Mrs. Hall returned to the stage for dramatic recitations and monologues.
For over two decades, Mrs. Hall performed to standing-room only crowds at Ebenezer AME Church and Bethel AME Church in Kansas City Missouri. Her stellar performances attracted a diverse crowd of people across state lines.
Mrs. Hall’s daughters, Twana Hall-Scott of Leawood Kansas, Lady Marlaa M. Hall-Reid of Bethel AME Church in Baltimore Maryland hosted the affair. Dr. Spencer L. Booker is the Senior Pastor and Lady Dale Booker is the first Lady of Bethel AME Church Kansas City, Kansas City Missouri.
Expressions of love, well-wishes and congratulatory messages may be sent to:
Mrs. Florence C. Hall
C/o Mrs. Twana Scott
2601 W. 145th Street
Leawood, KS 66224
- Fayetteville, Georgia elects First African American City Council Member the Rev. Edward Johnson, Jr. Pastor of Flat Rock AME Church
The Rev. Edward Johnson, Jr., Pastor of Flat Rock AME Church, Fayetteville, Georgia, has been elected the first African American Councilman of Fayetteville, Georgia. Flat Rock AME Church founded in 1854, is the oldest African American Church in Fayette County.
News Article:
http://www.ajc.com/news/fayette/fayetteville-ousts-transportation-proponent-1221453.html
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
The Rev. Edward Johnson, Jr.
Flat Rock A.M.E. Church
148 Old Chapel Lane
Fayetteville, GA 30215
Telephone: 770-461-0283
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Former First Lady, Sis. Gloria Bell, widow of Rev. Mack Bell, and Sister in Law of Sis. Pauline Chew. Please keep this family in your prayers. The funeral arrangements are as follows:
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Viewing at 10:00 am
Homegoing Service at 11:00 am
Union Bethel AME Church
6810 Floral Park Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
301-372-6036
The Rev. Harry L. Seawright, Pastor
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Taylor's Funeral Home
1722 N. Capitol Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20002-2110
202.882.2732 - Phone
202.483.6624 - FAX
Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Michael Bell and family
8210 Evelyn Lane
Clinton, MD 20735
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Family of Mrs. Gloria Bell
C/o Union Bethel AME Church
6810 Floral Park Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
Email: wearefamily@unionbethelamec.org
Phone: (410) 922-3286
Fax: (410) 922-3299
Or condolences can be emailed to: 1966williambell@gmail.com
There will be a repast in the lower level of Bethel House.
The Reverend Charles T. Sembly, Pastor
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We announce with regret the passing of Sister Ledora Brown on Friday, November 4, 2011. Sister Brown was the mother of Brother Bobby Jones and mother-in-law of the Rev. Tashana Jones, members of Baker Chapel AME Church-Fort Worth, Texas where the Rev. Walter R. McDonald serves as the pastor.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Brother Bobby & the Rev. Tashana Jones
3620 Fleetwood Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76123
Brother Bobby's Cell: (817) 401-6917; email: Bjones72086@yahoo.com
The Rev. Tashana's Cell: (682) 221-9246; email: Tashj730@yahoo.com
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Lovett Junior Cummings and Lovett DeShaun Cummings, II. They were the brother and grandson, respectively of the Rev. Archie Cummings, the pastor of Heard AMEC in Roselle, New Jersey.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:
Kamala Cummings Golston
1100 West 27th Street
River Beach, FL 33404
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Kenneth Taylor, on Sunday, November 6, 2011. He was the brother-in-law of the Rev. Marian Eikerenkoetter, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Glenolden, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia Annual Conference).
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:
The Rev. Marian Eikerenkoetter
5934 North 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19120
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Mollie Mae Halbert on Wednesday, November 2, 2011. She was the beloved mother of the Rev. Dr. John R. Halbert, the pastor of St. James AME Church, Elgin, Illinois (Chicago Annual Conference.
Arrangements for Mrs. Mollie Mae Halbert are as follows:
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. John R. Halbert
211 Julie LN
Hampshire, IL 60140
Home (847) 683-5231
Email: jrhalbert5@aol.com
30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Veronica Reaves-Harvey on Thursday, November 3, 2011. She was the beloved wife of Brother William Harvey, Jr. The Rev. Harvey was the pastor of Holy Trinity AME Church in Rock Hall, Maryland (Baltimore Annual Conference)
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:
Mr. William Harvey, Jr.
5504 Govane Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
32. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
