12/29/2012

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (12/29/12)



Bishop T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

December:

National HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 6 - 13, 2016.


1. TCR EDITORIAL - THE WATCH MEETING NIGHT SERVICES IN BLACK AMERICA:

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

Editor’s Note:  This article was first published in 2007 and for the last two years. Again, I want to set the record straight, at least among AMEs and for all of the readers of The Christian Recorder that Watch Meeting Night began in AME Churches before 1862.   

We are approaching the New Year 2013 and pastors and local church leaders have hopefully planned for Watch Meeting Night Services.

The Watch Night worship service has been a strong African Methodist tradition from the very beginnings of the AME Church. I mention that because there has been a revisionist account that originally stated that Watch Night Services in black communities can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve" when blacks came together in churches and private homes to await the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was going to become law. The revisionist account of the Watch Night Service says, “Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.” The story is heartwarming, but there is more to the story. 

Today, the Watch Night Service is held in a lot of black and white Churches; and the Emancipation Proclamation story has relevance and I am certain that the night of December 31, 1862 had a special meaning for the slaves. However, President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation did not free all of the slaves, but I am also certain that, for those who were freed, December 31st remained a significant day in their lives as long as they lived. 

But, the Watch Night service didn't begin in 1862; it began many years prior to that date.

The Watch Night Service reportedly began with the Moravians in Germany and was picked up by John Wesley who incorporated the service in Methodism.  In England, Europe, and in America, the early Methodists and other religious groups also observed Watch Night services; the Moravians certainly did.  The noted homiletician, Charles H. Spurgeon, a Baptist preacher, preached a Watch Night Sermon on December 31, 1855 and took his text from Lamentations 2:19.

In America, among the earliest Watch Night services was probably held at St. George Church in Philadelphia where Richard Allen was a member. To say that the Watch Meeting services began in the mid-1800 is a myth. It is certain that Richard Allen celebrated Watch Meeting night services at St. George Church and it would follow that Watch Meeting Night services were held at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. 

Originally, Watch Night services were held to deepen the spiritual life of the Methodists and Wesley, himself explained in his Journal that watch Night services in England were generally held between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on the Friday nearest the full moon "so that participants walked safely home through moonlit streets."  In 19th Century Philadelphia the Methodists continued the practice of watch-night services on New Year's Eve.  The newly-formed AME Church members, wherever AME Churches were located, celebrated Watch Meeting Night services.

Watch Meeting Night Service is a tradition that I hope will continue because we have a lot for which to be thankful.  All of us have a testimony to give, a song to sing and a prayer to be prayed.  In the black community, the Watch Meeting Night began with us, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and with the Right Reverend Richard Allen, the first consecrated and elected bishop.

Though other denominations have Watch Night services, Watch Meeting Night worship is a Methodist tradition and we should never, ever, forget it.

2. TCR OP-ED: DOWN TICKET:

*John Thomas III

The elections held in November demonstrated an impressive feat for the Democratic Party.  Contrary to historical political trends in similar economic conditions, the Party held the Presidency and increased its representation in the Senate and House of Representatives.  The President only lost two states in his reelection bid: North Carolina and Indiana (as well as an electoral vote in Nebraska).  Despite fears of the impact of restrictive voter identification laws, preliminary data suggest minority voter turnout to have been at an all-time high. While the question of a “presidential mandate” is debatable, many Americans are hopeful that in his second term President Obama will be bolder and more aggressive in his pursuit of a “progressive” agenda.  

Lost in the excitement surrounding the Presidential and Congressional elections but no less significant were the results “down ticket”—particularly at the state level. Going into the election, there were 26 Republican Legislatures, 15 Democrat and 8 that were split between the parties.  After the dust cleared, there were 26 Republican Legislatures, 18 Democrat and 5 split.  (Nebraska has a non-partisan, unicameral Legislature).  What looks like an absolute win for Democrats translates into a different result upon closer examination.  Republicans capitalized on their gains in the South and gained veto-proof majorities in several states. In Arkansas, the Republicans took the legislature for the first time since Reconstruction turning the once Democratic “Solid South” into solidly Republican at the state level.  The “Southern Strategy” begun during Richard Nixon’s era appears to have proven ultimately successful.

So, what does this political landscape mean for African-Americans given that a large percentage of our population lives in Republican-controlled Southern states?  First, state-funded HBCUs will find themselves increasingly questioned and pressured to deliver results or face consolidation and/or outright elimination. For years we have heard increasingly louder voices regarding the dissolution of these schools.  Now many of these voices control their purse strings. Second, an increasing divorce between the policies and state funding for the urban cores and suburban and rural areas will emerge because Blacks (who are reliably Democratic voters) tend to concentrate in cities. We can also expect state controlled programs that effect poor and disadvantaged urban areas to come under increased scrutiny and attack. Third, while majority-minority Districts are protected by Federal law it will become increasingly difficult for African-Americans to assert political interests in these State Legislatures without reaching out to moderate Republicans.  

As Black Methodists, we have a responsibility to advocate for “the least of these” regardless of race, political or religious affiliation.  The control of Southern state governments in Republican hands should be a cause for concern—yet it does not appear that the situation will change any time soon.   I am not making value judgments for parties.  Indeed, Democratic-controlled Southern Legislatures posed their own issues for African-Americans.  However, we can expect certain programs from Republicans and need to be prepared how to deal with them.  We will need to frame our issues not in terms of race or party but in terms of the “common good”.  For instance, poverty knows no color and we all can agree that education is a key ingredient in social uplift.  As I wrote in a previous article, we cannot let our vigilance wane simply because we are satisfied with the incumbent in the White House.  There is still much work to be done and room for advocacy and prophetic voices to be heard.

*John Thomas III is a Ph.D. Student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago

3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

- To the Editor:

RE: Commemorative Richard Allen Postage Stamp

Greetings in the name of or Lord Jesus the Christ.

I would like to know the status of the Bishop Allen Memorial Stamp.

God bless.

Mrs. Cherie DeBrest
Jones Tabernacle AME Church
Philadelphia, PA

4. BISHOP PHILIP R. COUSIN WILL BE THE RECIPIENT OF “THE KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD”:

Bishop Philip R. Cousin will be the recipient of “The Keeper of the Flame Award” on January the twentieth, two-thousand and thirteen. This award will be given to him by the African American Churches at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the Second term and Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

This award is extended to extraordinary leaders who exemplify our great history, struggles and untiring strength and commitment to our future.


Letter of award below:

Lift Every Voice and Sing
African American Church Inaugural Ball

Commemorating the second term and Inauguration of President Barack Obama and honoring the Keepers of the Flame upon whose shoulders we stand.

December 4, 2012

Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr.
1322 Rosemary Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60490

Dear Bishop Cousin:

We, the leaders of African American Churches, have chosen to honor your life's achievement with a once in a lifetime KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD at The African American Church Inaugural Ball on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Washington.

To commemorate the Second Term and Inauguration of President Barack H. Obama, we will mark this moment with great jubilation and honor legends of our time with the once in a life-time KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD.  To further commemorate this historical moment, we have selected extraordinary leaders who exemplify our great history, struggles, and untiring strength and commitment to our future.  We are excited to invite you to be one of the evening's esteemed honorees.

The proceeds of The African American Church Inaugural Ball will benefit The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to prevent diseases and to improve the health of individuals who are disproportionately affected by high rates of health disparities, including HIV.

Lastly, Bishop Cousin, we are sure you understand the fast pace at which our planning must now be executed.  We would appreciate your quick response and acceptance of our coveted Keeper of the Flame Award.

Once again, we, the collective leaders and members of the African American Church, are honored to commemorate the Second Term and Inauguration of our 44th President, Barack H. Obama, by bestowing upon you, Bishop Cousin, the once in a lifetime Keeper of the Flame Award.

Sincerely,

W. Franklyn Richardson, II
Chair, African American Church Inaugural Ball
Chairman, Conference of National Black Churches

Parnessa C. Seele
Executive Producer
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
The Balm In Gilead, Inc
.

5. “FROM WHERE I SIT …”

Dr. Tyrone T. Davis

TCR Editor’s Comment: The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) has combined / co-located their major meetings. The combined meeting is called Unity Summit. The article below was written by Dr. Tyrone T. Davis in response to their first Unity Summit. 

“We did ‘good’ … But we can do better!”

In September 2012 the CME Church inaugurated the long awaited CME Unity Summit at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 25 years after the very first meeting of the CME Convocation in 1987, coincidentally in the same city and at the same hotel.  And what an inauguration it was!  CME’s came from every section of the country to accomplish in one meeting all of the work that would have been accomplished in three or more separate meetings.

Authorized by the General Conference of 2010, the financial intent of the meeting of the Unity Summit was to deliver, in a depressed economic climate, an innovative means by which both the denomination and the attendees would experience savings.  Specifically, the denomination took the proactive step of combining the scheduled annual meetings of the General Connectional Board, the Executive Board of the Women’s Missionary Council, the Annual CME Convocation and the Connectional Young Adult Retreat (the Connectional Lay Institute, a quadrennial meeting, had previously been combined with the CME Convocation).  The savings for the denomination is reaped from the shared meeting costs in a central venue where the duration of the total meeting days has been trimmed from 10 to 5 days.  The intended savings for attendees arises from the premise that a large number of meeting attendees attend most if not all of the same meetings. Therefore a person who formerly attended two or three meetings would save the expense of the additional travel of the second or third meeting by attending the one Unity Summit with the extra cost of paying for just one extra night beyond what was required for the CME Convocation.

Many of the attendees joined in to report that that first Unity Summit was a tremendous success!  The spirit of the worship services, the preaching, the teaching, the quality of invited talent, the meals and the fellowship was second to none.  Almost everyone present had a wonderful time.  And the registration exceeded the largest ever reported in recent years for one of our annual meetings.  Yes, we did “good” … but we can do better!

“How could we do better?”  I’m glad you asked.  We could do better if the conference leaders are given the opportunity to better plan for the number who will eventually be in attendance.

Sponsoring a conference is very much like a farmer planting a crop.  To achieve a meaningful harvest certain growing prerequisites are necessary.  But no matter how many prerequisites are accommodated, the harvest is minimized if the seed is planted too late.  The seed of the conference is the presence of the attendee and for the conference to be successful and to fully achieve its goal on every level, it is important for attendees to register their intended presence, or plant the seed of their presence, in a timely fashion.

With a conference, many tasks occur behind the scene.  The average attendee is not aware that a contract exists between the sponsoring organization and the hotel that generally is executed two years earlier.  The contract commits the availability of a certain number of sleeping rooms and meeting rooms for the group until a certain date.  If the group’s sleeping room registrations are below the number projected by that certain date, then the hotel either releases the remainder of the rooms so they may be rented by others or the group assumes the responsibility for the unreserved rooms on the hope (or faith) that the group’s attendees will eventually register and book the remaining rooms held by the group.  However, if hope is futile and faith is in vain and the attendees do not book these remaining rooms, then the sponsoring group must pay the hotel the full rental value of the rooms held but unused by the group.  This can be a considerable sum.  On the other hand, if attendees had registered earlier and confirmed their planned attendance, the potential of a situation such as this one could more easily be avoided.  It would certainly make planning and preparing the conference easier.

There are other aspects of a conference that are impacted by attendees registering late, such as:

- When attendees register late, the conference may not have enough registration materials and conference distributions available, since these items must be prepared and printed well in advance of the conference.

- When attendees register late, it has an impact on the room setup and may require rearranging assigned breakout rooms or adjusting the seating of assembly areas.

- When attendees register late, it can affect the arrangements for meals and/or ticketed events.

- When attendees register late, it can affect attendance at planned events, if the attendee must secure lodging at another hotel because the conference hotel block is filled.

- When attendees register late, it can affect the accommodation of logistics when groups break at the same time intersecting in limited hallways.

- When attendees register late, it allows other groups to secure space in the conference hotel and therefore limit available sleeping rooms and meeting rooms.

- When attendees register late, it greatly impairs the plans and work of the host episcopal district.

Why am I raising this point?  Again, I’m glad you asked.  Our first CME Unity Summit had a registration of just over 2,000 attendees for a conference that began on September 25th.  However as late as August 21st, slightly a month before the conference, the preregistration number was only 1,337, approximately 2/3 of the final number registered.  It appears only 1/3 had registered two months prior to the conference.

I am raising this point and I am writing this article because I believe that many of our attendees are not aware of these facts.  Many are not aware that waiting for the last few weeks to register and secure a room puts the financial success of the conference at risk.  If a goal of the combined meetings of the Unity Summit was to relieve the attendees of some of the expense they had paid in the past, then why not make the process simpler and easier for all by registering as early as possible.  This year’s Summit started with one conference hotel, but as late registrations began to come in, sleeping rooms were no longer available because the room block had expired.  Therefore an overflow hotel was engaged and then a second overflow hotel.  This would likely have been unnecessary if attendees had registered earlier.

I’m told our next Unity Summit will be in Houston in September of 2013 and I hope that every person planning to attend will complete their registration and book their room by June.  We know that we are going to the Summit.  We know because we are members of the General Connectional Board and the Executive Board of the Women’s Missionary Council.  We know because we look forward to the training classes and Bible Study of the Convocation and the activities of the Young Adult retreat.  And if we know, then why not prepare to go during the green season so the seed of our intended presence will be planted in a timely fashion.  It seems like a smart thing.  At least that is the way it looks to me …“From Where I Sit”

*Dr. Tyrone T. Davis is the General Secretary of the Board of Personnel Services of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. This article was published in October 2012 issue of The Christian Index, the Official Newspaper of the CME Church. This article is published with permission of The Christian Index.  Dr. Davis is also the President of the Association of Black Methodist General Officers (ABMGO).

6. DR. EMILIE TOWNES NAMED DEAN OF VANDERBILT DIVINITY SCHOOL:

Emilie M. Townes, a distinguished Yale University scholar and administrator whose areas of expertise include Christian ethics and Womanist theology, has been named dean of Vanderbilt University Divinity School, effective July 1, 2013.

Townes, an ordained American Baptist clergywoman, succeeds James Hudnut-Beumler, who will take a year's sabbatical after serving as the school's dean since 2000.

Townes, who will be the 16th dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School, pending approval by the Vanderbilt Board of Trust, has been appointed to a five-year term, according to Richard McCarty, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. She will also hold an endowed chair as a tenured faculty member.

"Emilie Townes is an amazing scholar, a wonderful mentor to students, and a leader in theological education," McCarty said. "She is also ready to lead, and I am delighted that she has accepted our offer to be the next dean of the Vanderbilt Divinity School. Her impact as dean will be felt in the Divinity School and across the university as well as nationally and internationally. I look forward to welcoming her to the Vanderbilt community."

Townes is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African American Religion and Theology and associate dean of academic affairs at Yale Divinity School. Previously, she was the Carolyn Williams Beaird Professor of Christian Ethics at Union Theological Seminary.

Carolyn Dever, dean of the College of Arts and Science and professor of English, chaired the search committee for the new Divinity dean. "In every aspect of her profile, Emilie Townes epitomizes the Vanderbilt Divinity School's dedication to renowned scholarship, ecumenical leadership and commitment to social justice," Dever said. "We warmly welcome her to a community that is passionate about the scholarship and teaching of religion, and about empowering students to change themselves, and the world, for the better."

"I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and students of Vanderbilt Divinity School to engage in university-wide conversations as we explore the role of religion and values in a university setting and beyond," Townes said. "I am excited and honored to be asked to lead and guide a school with a long commitment to helping clergy and laity prepare for Christian ministry. It's working to re-envision ministry to meet the needs of our times by combining spiritual and intellectual growth with a sense of social justice and the formation of new generations of scholars. With its hallmarks of academic excellence, diversity, faithfulness, networking in a university setting, and a collaborative spirit in teaching and learning, the Divinity School is positioned to be an even greater voice in theological education and world Christianities in a world of religious pluralism."

The pioneering scholar in the field of Womanist theology is the author of Womanist Justice, Womanist Hope (Scholars Press, 1993) and In a Blaze of Glory: Womanist Spirituality as Social Witness (Abingdon Press, 1995). Her most recent book is Womanist Ethics and the Cultural Production of Evil (Palgrave Macmillan Press, 2006). In addition, she co-edited Womanist Theological Ethics: A Reader (Westminster John Knox Press, 2011).

Her other broad areas of teaching and research include Christian ethics, critical social theology, cultural theory and studies, and postmodernism and social postmodernism.

Topics of particular interest to Townes include health and health care; cultural production of evil; exploration of the linkages among race, gender, class and other forms of oppression; and development of a network between African American and Afro-Brazilian religious and secular leaders and community-based organizations.

In her teaching, Townes strives to "move students beyond the strictly academic into a realm where words are wedded to belief and action," according to an article on the Yale University website.

Townes received her bachelor's degree in religion and the humanities at the University of Chicago. She then earned her Master of Arts and doctorate of ministry from the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. She also received a doctorate of philosophy from the joint Northwestern University/Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary program.

A former president of the American Academy of Religion, she currently serves as president of the Society for the Study of Black Religion (2012-2016). Townes was inducted as a fellow in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2009.

Vanderbilt Divinity School is one of only five university-based interdenominational institutions in the United States and the oldest one in the Southeast. The school seeks to engage men and women in a theological understanding of religious traditions; to help persons, both lay and ordained, re-envision and prepare for the practice of Christian ministry in our time; to encourage individuals in their spiritual and intellectual growth; to prepare leaders who will be agents of social justice; and to educate future scholars and teachers of religion.

7. LAQUILLA R. BOYCE AND DOUGLAS A. JONES UNITED IN MARRIAGE:

Hot Springs Arkansas

In the presence of family and friends LaQuilla R. Boyce and Douglas A. Jones were united in marriage on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Visitors Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District, as well as, the Rev. Douglas E. Jones, father of the groom and pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church of Hot Springs Arkansas; the Rev. Joseph Valliant, uncle of the bride and pastor of Morris Chapel Baptist Church in Pastoria, Arkansas; and the Rev. T. W. Scott pastor of St. Paul AME Church of Arkadelphia Arkansas participated in the Marriage ceremony..

The bride is the daughter of the Rev. Welton (the Rev. Tonya) Boyce, pastor of Mount Olive AME Church of Tarry Arkansas and Mrs. Barbara Boyce, an officer in the 12th Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society.

The bride served as the 12th Episcopal District Young People’s Department President and is presently serving as an officer in the 12th Episcopal district East Conference.

After a honeymoon in New York City the couple will live in Hot Springs Arkansas.                   

8. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

- Senior Bishop John R. Bryant and Senior Supervisor Cecelia Williams Bryant proudly announce a special and blessed Christmas Day delivery of their grandson.

On the blessed Christmas Morning of December 25, 2012, Senior Bishop John R. Bryant and Senior Supervisor Cecelia Williams Bryant proudly announce a special and blessed Christmas Day delivery of their grandson, Ayo (Joyous) Jeloni (Strength) Davis. 8.6 pound, Ayo Jeloni was born to the Bryants' daughter, Dr. Thema Bryant Davis and Son-in-love, Kwesi Davis. Please pray God's continuous blessings upon this family.

- The Birth of Kennedy Bren'el Anderson, daughter of Dr. Derek Anderson, Connectional President of the RAYAC and Mrs. Aimee Anderson

It is with great joy that we announce the birth of Kennedy Bren'El Anderson who was born on Monday, November 12, 2012. Kennedy is the daughter of Dr. Derek Anderson, Connectional President of the RAYAC and Mrs. Aimee Anderson, the immediate past Third Vice President of the Ohio Conference WMS and is the brother of Master Cory Isaiah Anderson.

In addition, Kennedy is the granddaughter of the Rev. Mack C. Hurst, pastor of Grant Chapel AME Church in Amite, Louisiana and Mrs. Brenda Hurst, the Louisiana Conference WMS President.

The Anderson family are members of the Historic St. Paul AME Church in Columbus, Ohio under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Taylor Thompson in the Third Episcopal District under the Episcopal Leadership of Bishop McKinley Young and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: mrdha143@yahoo.com

- Jaleeca Rebecca Yancy, daughter of the Rev. David and Mrs. Reba Yancy II received the Bachelors of Science degree

Jaleeca Rebecca Yancy, daughter of the REV. David and Mrs. Reba Yancy II received the Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Graphic Design from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee on December 15, 2012. The Rev. Yancy is the pastor of Spring Chapel AME Church in Grand Junction, Tennessee and is a member of the Media and Public Relations Committee of the South Memphis District of the West Tennessee Conference of the 13th Episcopal District.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to Jaleeca at jaleeca_yancy@yahoo.com and to her parents at yancydavid2@yahoo.com.

Messages may be mailed to:

The Rev. David and Mrs. Reba Yancy
Ms. Jaleeca R. Yancy
1646 W. Shelby Drive
Memphis, TN 38109

Telephone: 901-356-4579

- The Marriage of Cedric Joubert to Salome Stander, Bethel Memorial AME Church Hazendal, Cape Town, South Africa

It is with much gladness that the marriage of Cedric Joubert, fourth eldest son of Mrs. Lilian Joubert and of the giants in African Methodism, the late Rev Henry Joubert, to Salome Stander youngest daughter of Mr. Cecil and the Rev. Pam Stander on the 20th December at Bethel Memorial AME Church Hazendal, Cape Town, South Africa.

As workers and servants in God's vineyard, we pray that together they may be a more powerful force in God's Kingdom.

Email details/ messages: chj@taurenz.co.za

*Rev. Clive J. Pillay, St. John Kensington, Cape Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District

- The Rev. Timothy Cokley and Wife, Cynthia McLeod Cokley will celebrate their 35th Wedding Anniversary

The Rev. Timothy Cokley and wife Cynthia McLeod Cokley will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary on Monday, December 31, 2012. The two were married at Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church, Sumter, South Carolina, at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 31, 1977. Bishop F.C. James (retired) and the Rev. John H. Gillison performed the ceremony.

They are the proud parents of three children, Timothea J. Cokley, Atlanta, Georgia; a graduate of Fayetteville State University; Timothy Charles Cokley, Charlotte, North Carolina; a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University; and Trenton R. Cokley, Washington, DC; a graduate of Howard University.

The Rev. and Mrs. Cokley reside in Columbia, South Carolina, where he is employed at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Mrs. Cokley teaches in Richland School District One. Rev. Cokley is the pastor of Chappelle Memorial AME Church in Columbia.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to ctt5@aol.com.

9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with much sorrow that we report the passing on of Sister Gylnis Lorenzo, sister in law of the Rev. Sydney Gordon, pastor of St James AME Church in Athlone, Cape Town in the 15th Episcopal District. 

She was killed in a tragic vehicle accident on 25th Dec 2012 (see http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/cops-killed-in-horror-crash-1.1445121)

Her home-going celebration will be on Saturday 29th at Edmund Lawrence AME 10 a.m., where the Rev. Sekoboto Tau is the pastor.

May our Lord be there solace in this their time of trouble.


10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with profound regret that we must report the loss of Gregory Scott Thomas, Jr., the son of the Rev. Gregory and the Rev. Michelle Thomas. Gregory, Jr. who died Christmas Eve and will be funeralized, Saturday, December 29, 2012, the Wake/ Family Hour at 10 a.m. and Homegoing Service at 10:30 a.m.

Services will be held at:

St. James AME Church
8401 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44103
Fax: 216-231-6877
Church Telephone: 216-231-3562

The Rev. Dr. Gerald A. Cooper, the pastor of St. James will officiate.

Please keep the entire family in prayer during this difficult time. The Thomas Family anticipates establishing a Scholarship in Gregory's name at his school, Cuyahoga County Community College.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Gregory S. and the Rev. Michelle Thomas, Sr. and Family
24370 Glenbrook Road
Euclid, OH 44117

Telephone: 216-486-8113 (P)
gtattorney@aol.com

Arrangements are being handled by:

Lucas Memorial Chapel
9010 Garfield Blvd
Garfield Heights, OH 44125
Phone: (440) 735-3030
Fax 216-341-2036

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with a great deal of sadness that we share the news of the death of Ms. Idella McCurtis, sister of Mrs. Jimmie Lee Jackson, President of the North Ohio Conference Lay Organization.

Services for Mrs. McCurtis are scheduled for Saturday December 29, 2013

Wake/Family Visitation 1:30 PM - 2:00 p.m.
Celebration of life 2:00 p.m.
St. Paul AME Church
4118 Brookside Blvd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44135

The Rev. Dr. Shane Floyd, Host Pastor, Officiating

Office Telephone: 216.941.6767
Fax: 216.941.6706

Expressions of love may be sent to the following address:

Mrs. Jimmie Lee Jackson, President
North Ohio Conference Lay Organization
6963 Warrington Drive
North Olmsted, Ohio 44070

Telephone: 440.235.4447

Arrangements are being handled by: 

Lucas Memorial Chapel
9010 Garfield Blvd
Garfield Heights, OH 44125

Telephone: (440) 735-3030
Fax 216-341-2036

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and the Tenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church announce with great sadness the passing of the Rev. Leonard Alfred, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church-Giddings, Texas on Wednesday, December 19, 2012. The Rev. Alfred was an Itinerant Elder and a member of the Southwest Texas Annual Conference-Austin Capital "Yes We Can" District.

The following information has been provided regarding the Rev. Alfred's Wake and Homegoing Celebration.

Wake: Thursday, December, 27th, 2012 - 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. @ Chisholm’s Family Funeral Home & Florist.

Chisholm’s Family Funeral Home & Florist
3100 South Old FM 440
Killeen, Texas 76549
Telephone: (254) 245-9365

Homegoing Celebration: Friday, December 28th, 2012 - 1:00 P.M. at:

Perishing Park Baptist Church
1200 South Old FM 440
Killeen, Texas
Telephone: (245) 634-1013

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Pamela Alfred
1404 Arkansas Street
Killeen, Texas 76542
Ph: (254) 699-9377

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with heartfelt sadness that Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and the Tenth Episcopal District announce the passing of the Rev. George S. Willis III, on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. The Rev. Willis was a Superannuated Pastor in the Northwest Texas Conference.

An outstanding teacher, preacher and pastor, the Rev. Willis was a friend and brother beloved, a mentor to many young preachers and others and was well-respected by many throughout the State of Texas. He was a past Professor of Religion and Christian Ethics at Paul Quinn College when it was located in Waco, Texas. He had pastored several churches across the state of Texas; (St. Luke-Waco, Bethel-Dallas, Jones Chapel-Houston, Shiloh-Galveston, Metropolitan-Austin, Rice Chapel-Dallas); however, the Pastoral Charge in which he retired from in September 2010 was "Historic" Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church-Fort Worth, Texas. At the time of his passing he was a member of the ministerial staff of Baker Chapel AME Church-Fort Worth, Texas where the Rev. Walter R. McDonald is pastor.

The Rev. Willis, a Christian and stately man; was an intelligent and compassionate individual with a broad smile who truly loved God, God's people and A.M.E. Church. He made many contributions toward Kingdom Building, to humankind and the AME Church; and was widely known throughout the State of Texas and the Connectional AME Church. The Rev. George S. Willis, III will be missed by the entire Tenth Episcopal District, the Connectional AME Church and many, many others.

Please be informed of the following information that has been provided for the Viewing and Celebration of Life Service in honor of the Rev. George S. Willis, III.

Viewing: Saturday - December 29, 2012 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life:

Saturday - December 29, 2012 at 12:00 Noon

Baker Chapel AME Church
The Rev. Walter R. McDonald, Pastor
Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Eulogist
1050 E. Humbolt Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104

Telephone: 817-336-5326

Final earthly care for the Rev George Willis III has been entrusted to: 

Emanuel Funeral Home
The Rev. Ray Charles Emanuel, Owner
1721 W. Oak
Palestine, TX 75801

Telephone: 903-729-318
Fax: 903-727-0112

Interment: Monday, December 31st, 2012
VA National Cemetery (TBD)

Condolences may be sent to:

Sister Kay Willis
1112 April Springs Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76134
Email: k_gw@hotmail.com 

Home telephone: (817) 927-8355
Cell: (817) 889-3090

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the death of Brother Jeffrey Anfield, the brother of Pastor Sharon Buckson. The REV. Sharon Buckson is a pastor on the Augusta-Athens District in the Sixth Episcopal District. She is the Pastor of Hickman Tabernacle AME Church in Augusta, Georgia and Mt. Tabor AME Church in Keysville, Georgia.

Brother Anfield was a lifetime member and a Steward at Mt. Tabor AME Church in Keysville, GA. He departed this life on December 25th following a car accident.

Brother Anfield leaves to mourn his death, his wife, Sister LaSana Anfield, two sons, his mother; Sister Jeanette Anfield all of Waynesboro; four sisters and a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be held Saturday, December 29, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at Waynesboro Deliverance Evangelistic Church located at 752 US Highway 25, Waynesboro, GA. The Rev. Glenn Wiggins will deliver the eulogy.

The Phinazee Funeral Home located at 404 W. 8th Street - Waynesboro, GA 30830 - Phone 706-554-5500 has been entrusted with the final services for Brother Jeffrey Anfield.

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. LaSana Anfield
919 Kingston Drive
Waynesboro, Georgia 30830

Or

The Rev. Sharon Buckson
1868 Kissingbower Road
Augusta, GA 30904

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with deep sorrow and regret that we announce the untimely and tragic death of Isaiah Scott of Hephzibah, Georgia. He is the Brother-in-Law of the Rev. Lawrence Gantt and the brother of First Lady Irma Scott Gantt. The Reverend Gantt is the pastor of New Bethel AME Church of Port St. Joe, Florida.  Isaiah Scott is also the brother of Jeanette S. Hite of Suitland, Maryland; and Felecia Scott of Capital Heights, Maryland, members of Campbell AME Church, Washington, DC. 


Service Arrangements for Mr. Isaiah Scott:

A Memorial Service: Saturday, December 29, at 2:00 pm, Kingdom Hall 4399 Clements Road in Hephzibah, Georgia.

Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to the Scott family:


Or mailed to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Lawrence Gantt & Family
New Bethel AME Church
P. O. Box 264
Port St. Joe, FL 32457

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

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751




17.  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.


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