1/28/2012

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (1/28/12)



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

January - Cervical Health Awareness Month

Lent 2012 begins on Ash Wednesday - February 22, 2012




1.  EDITORIAL – BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN HILDEBRAND LIVED LONG AND HE LIVED WELL:

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


Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand was unusual. Everyone had positive comments to say about him. I have never heard anyone say anything negative about him. Bishop Hildebrand has been described as a nice man, a gentle spirit, fair-minded, compassionate, intellectual, down to earth, loving, fair, pastoral, a mentor, scholar, great preacher, educator, theologian, and always a pastor. Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand was a man of character who came from humble beginnings, reached the highest level of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – being elected and consecrated a bishop, served prestigious episcopal districts. Bishop Hildebrand never forgot his roots or his humble beginnings.  He was a humble man of God.

Bishop Richard A. Hildebrand, the 88th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was described by many pastors and laity as being an amazing person! Until his death, he looked so young, spoke with a strong voice and with authority.  He touched so many pastors, who credit him with their success in ministry. In the words of young people today, Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand rose to the “top of his game.”  He was always humble, always compassionate, and never lost the common touch, even though he had reached the "top of his game."

Many pastors and many bishops retire at the end of their ministerial careers, but Bishop Hildebrand broke the glass-ceiling when it came to retirement. After Bishop Hildebrand retired, in a phrase spoken by Bishop David Daniels, President of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Hildebrand was “retired but not “tired.” Retired Bishop John Hurst Adams, who delivered the eulogy, described Bishop Hildebrand as having his “priorities right.” Bishop Adams went on to describe Bishop Hildebrand as being complete and intellectually intelligent, moral, social, and as a man with common sense who filtered his life through his faith. Bishop Adams went on to say that Bishop Hildebrand was a complete man of God.

The homegoing celebration of Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand was held on Saturday, December 18, 2011 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jacksonville Florida where the Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders II serves as the pastor. Bishop McKinley Young is the Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District and Dr. Dorothy Young is the Episcopal Supervisor.

Bishops, Episcopal Supervisors, General Officers, Connectional Officers, presiding elders, pastors and laity came from far and near to attend the celebration of  “The Life and Ministry of Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand.” The mood was celebratory and those who attended the celebration knew they were coming to commemorate a life well-lived. 

The processional included the Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in all of the presiding elders and pastors of the Eleventh Episcopal District.  The Processional Hymn was “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.” The Hymn of Praise was that majestic hymn, "How Great the Wisdom,” described as one of Bishop Hildebrand's favorite hymns.

The Invocation was delivered by Bishop Preston W. Williams II, the Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Bishop William P DeVeaux, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District read the Old Testament lesson; Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District read the Epistle lesson; and Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of Tenth Episcopal District read the Gospel lesson.

A tribute was given on behalf of the Council of Bishops by Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District. Retired Bishop Robert V. Webster and retired Bishop Henry A. Belin delivered tributes on behalf of the retired bishops; and the Rev. Wendell C. Webster delivered a tribute on behalf of the historic Macedonia AME Church, the church Bishop Hildebrand pastored after he retired from the episcopacy. Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams delivered a tribute as a friend.  The Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake and the Rev. Dr. Mark a Tyler, former students of Bishop Hildebrand also delivered tributes.

The Eleventh Episcopal District’s East Conference Mass Choir provided music for the homegoing celebration. The Rev. and Mrs. Godfrey (Fredericka) Taylor and Sister Tanya Fields sang a special rendition of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and Brother Marlow Smith sang a solo. Other participants included the Rev. Dr. Michael L. Mitchell, pastor of St. Stephen AME Church in Jacksonville, who lined the Hymn of Affirmation, “Blessed Assurance”; and Brother Victor Owens, who acknowledged the resolutions and the acknowledgments.

The host pastor, the Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders II lined the Hymn of Praise, “How Great the Wisdom” and Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District and host for Bishop Hildebrand’s homegoing celebration was the worship leader.

The Presiding Elders of the Eleventh Episcopal District: the Rev. Tony D. Hansberry, Suwannee North District; The Rev., Elizabeth Yates, Alachua Central District; the Rev. Jimmie B. Keel, South District,

At the time of his death, Bishop Hildebrand lived in Fernandina Beach Florida. He was 95 years of age and passed away on Monday, December 12, 2011. Bishop Hildebrand was one of 10 children born to the late B.F. and Agnes Brogden Hildebrand in Winnsboro, South Carolina.  Seven of his siblings preceded him in death.

Bishop Hildebrand received his early education in the local schools of Winnsboro, South Carolina and came to know the Lord at an early age. He attended Allen University, Payne Theological Seminary, Boston University, Wilberforce University and Morris Brown College, earning multiple degrees.

He became an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church as a young adult. He served this pastor in Ohio, Rhode Island, Delaware and New York. He was President of the NAACP of New York City and served as President of the Protestant Council of Churches in Manhattan.
He was elected and consecrated a Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1972 and was active until his retirement in 1992. Upon his retirement, Bishop Hildebrand moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida and became pastor of historic Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church for four years, where he remained an active member until his death.

Bishop Hildebrand leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Zelgloria Kegler Hildebrand; daughters, Camille Hildebrand of Fernandina Beach, Florida and Karen Crosby (Bill) of Pompano Beach, Florida; a sister, Agnes Hildebrand of Sumter South Carolina; a brother, Eugene Hildebrand of Orangeburg, South Carolina; a brother-in-law, Bing L. Kegler; grandchildren Sienna Crosby, James, Elyse, Damien, Endia, and Aaron; three stepchildren: James H. McDonald (Renea) of Woodstock, Maryland; Shelley R. McDonald Pinkett (Martin) of Glendale, Maryland; and Kenneth R. McDonald (Lynn) of Baltimore, Maryland; and a host of nieces nephews and friends.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is credited with the statement, “It’s not how long you live, but how well you live.”  In the life of Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand, “He lived long and he lived well!”

Praise be to God for the long and productive life of Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand.

*Portions of the information in this article were extracted from “A Celebration of the Life and Ministry – Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand.”


2. TCR CORRECTION:

In the December 1, 2011 issue of TCR Online and in the January 23, 2012 edition of The Christian Recorder print edition, the Editorial entitled, “The Trial of Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah” incorrectly stated that Attorney Walter Searcy was a graduate of the Nashville School of Law. Mr. Searcy is a 1985 graduate of the Vanderbilt University Law School.


3. AGNES B HILDEBRAND AME CHURCH VISITED BY MINISTER OF STATE:

The host pastor, the Rev E. T. T. Msibi, accepted his assignment to the church with great enthusiasm after the annual conference in October 2011 and set off to explore never-tried ministries and avenues.

When the Grade 12 results were released, he arranged dinner for the students who made the grade in their examinations and their parents at a local hotel.

As the schools re-opened for the 2012 academic year, he arranged for an Education day at church on the theme Education is Freedom, be liberated.

Sunday, 22 January 2012, Education Day, will remain etched in the minds of members of the Agnes Hildebrand AME Church in the M M Mokone Conference in the 19th Episcopal District for a long time to come.

The occasion was meant to celebrate success and encourage members of the church to take keen interest in education.

Members of the congregation dressed in their academic regalia and others in the outfits they wear at work walked some two to three miles from some point in the Mabopane Township to church marching to the tune of a brass band.

By way of motivating the young ones graduates wore their academic regalia while other members were dressed in their outfits at work. It was such a panoramic view on looking at those varied colours in the church.

The representative of the District Office of Education and Sister Sugar Sekhu gave speeches on the programmes offered by the department. They outlined avenues that may be followed up to assistance that is on offer financially.

Sister Sekhu outlined the need for education and that it is not an instant matter. It needs patience, dedication and consistency. She recalled the Chinese programme that contrasts short term and long term planning, that when you plan for the long term one should plant trees.

A social responsibility exercise under the aegis of the Board of Christian Education was handing out school shoes to some needy learners in the church and community, not necessarily AME Church members.

The Honourable Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, who was guest of honour, delivered a challenging speech which spoke to the role of government, the role of parents and the role that learners themselves should play if the nation is to forge ahead and be productive for generations to come.

When the Hon Minister asked for the singing of Lizalis’ idinga lakho, a hymn which was sung by the ANC members in exile when they were nostalgic, the congregation sang in such great unison that it felt like the church building will fall apart.

In concluding her address the Minister said she could not leave a service in the A M E Church without reminiscing about Charlotte Maxeke. She gave an inspired and emotional impromptu speech that tears dropped from some people’s eyes when they thought of this trailblazer who was second to none in teaching, singing and housekeeping. It is this pioneer who brought about the A M E Church to South Africa as we know it today

The legacy of Maxeke is seen in the women of African descent who hold their heads high in the country.

The Rev E. T. T. Msibi’s scripture text was St Mark 7: 34 Ephphata and his subject was “This will soon pass”

He highlighted how the society, despite setbacks, hunger and all sorts of disadvantages can pull together to create opportunities of learning, healing and blessings to disadvantaged people.

The deaf man’s ears were opened to be on the same level with others. We must lift one another.

It was a fitting occasion graced by the woman minister of state in a church brought to our shores through the assistance of a woman in a church building named after the mother of the late Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand.

Editor’s Note: The address delivered by Mrs. Angie Motshekga, Minister of Basic Education is posted below.

4. THE ADDRESS AT THE LAUNCH OF THE EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:

By Mrs Angie Motshekga, Minister of Basic Education
Agnes B Hilderbrand AME Church, Mabopane: 22 January 2012

Reverend Msibi le Phuthego ya AME
Kea le dumedisa ka lebitso la ntate. Ke motlotlo ho ba le lona tsatsing lena le botlhokwa, la thuto.

Education is the best provision for the journey to old age.” These wise words come from Aristotle, a great Greek philosopher and teacher. His words remain spot on.

It therefore gives me great pleasure being with you launching the Education Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). Thank you so much for making this possible.

Your launch is very timely, only three days after the opening of inland schools as we set out together with our children on a positive journey into the 2012 school year. We’ve started the New Year with a bang emboldened by the inspiring performance of the Class of 2011 that gave us a 70.2% pass.

I thank all our children, some of whom are here, for the exceptional effort they put into their education last year, preparing for a happy and fulfilling life beyond old-age.

Thank you to all the parents here and the community of Mabopane for their role in education. All in all, 348 117 learners out of 496 090 have passed matric.

Your province, Gauteng, which got second position among all provinces, achieved 81.1%, up from 78.6% of 2010. For this I congratulate all of you. Well done for the great work!

I’m happy AME has brought us together in ‘the year of unity’. I appeal to all of you to help us keep all the children in school. Together we must arrest the drop-out rate, at least until children have passed matric.

From all our homes and places of worship, we must provide career guidance to the young before they pass matric. Teach them university is not the only place to go to. There are many options. Do invite people from FET colleges or universities of technology to come and discuss with church members and grade 11s what the options are and how to apply.

From last year, we are providing workbooks to help improve reading and counting from a tender age. We rely on parents to work through these valuable books at home with the children; read to the children, every day.

When you get your children’s results of Annual National Assessments, look at them carefully and use them to intervene in your child’s education.

We welcome the AME’s decision to start an educational ministry, believing it will advance and support all our efforts to improve last year’s performance in terms of the number of learners who pass and the quality of the passes, right across the system, from Grade R up to Grade 12.

Reverend Msibi tells me the overarching vision of the educational ministry is to inculcate the culture of learning and moral regeneration among the youth and the community at large. Accordingly, the AME Church is expected to minister to the social, spiritual and physical development of all our people.
We thank warmly the Church for this noble gesture. This is one crucial campaign to help us show that ‘education is a societal issue’. It is a responsibility of all of us. No government, all over the world, can educate the people without the people.

Today therefore represents an important occasion attesting to the correctness of our decision as a nation to make education a top priority. For indeed it is through education that we can make this congregation, and all our people, lifelong learners, regardless of age or background.

Our problems are many. We need your support. We need schools that work and principals who are responsible fully for academic excellence in their schools.

We need teachers who teach every day and every period without fail. We need learners who are disciplined, dedicated, respectful and willing to be taught and to learn.

We have a challenge of improving performance in poorly performing schools and districts. We need proper classrooms, sufficient and high-quality learning and teaching materials, and we need safety in schools and surrounding communities.

Reverend Msibi, I invite you and the congregation as well as the entire community of Mabopane, to support “The Adopt a School Campaign” which we launched recently. It is through this campaign that your programme on learners ‘adopting’ parents as their support system can be strengthened.

We welcome your kind act of donating school shoes to needy learners. I am happy that community involvement in education is taking root and the urgent call for a social compact is gathering momentum.

Tomorrow, ABSA bank will also donate shoes to a school in Joburg and Nedbank will provide uniform to a school in Limpopo. All these efforts show South Africa’s unity and commitment to the education of our children.
As I say, all the time, to young people, ‘make much of time’. Seize opportunities, take your schooling seriously, make education a provision for a happy journey to old age.

Always remember, your rights, including the right to education, did not come cheap. Many people gave their lives as they laid the foundation for your peaceful journey to adulthood. 

While we view academic achievement as a key indicator of quality in our public education system, we also expect education to help us promote commonly shared values and a human rights culture for the benefit of all our people.

‘Thank you’ to the AME Church for joining hands with us in the endeavour to build value-based schools. Through your support we can plant the seeds of moral regeneration. As former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt once said:


We need the church and all of South Africa to build a caring society and “to improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person”, as the Constitution says.

I thank you deeply for making us part of this important service.

5. BISHOP GREGORY INGRAM VISIT TO ST. PAUL-MINNEAPOLIS DISTRICT

By Charles Hallman
St. Paul-Minneapolis District Reporter

 The Black church should still play a big role in people’s lives, especially in these tough economic times, says 10th Episcopal District Bishop Gregory Ingram.
     
Ingram spent the King Holiday weekend in the Twin Cities, and spoke at Lily of the Valley AME Church in Eagan, Minnesota.  He also was the keynote speaker for the third annual HBCU College Fair at St. Peter’s AME Church in Minneapolis, who co-sponsored the event with AchieveMpls, a nonprofit education support organization on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday January 16. 
    
In an interview conducted before he spoke at the fair, the bishop briefly talked about the church and the present conditions of the country today.
    
The church “always has been an advocate, bedrock of our community to help people in times of need,” he adds.  “There is a resurgence of people coming back to the church.  As much as we rely on the federal government for so much, the church has done more with tithes than the country done with taxes.” 
   
“Churches should become more community oriented,” says Ingram.  The church “always has been an advocate, bedrock of our community to help people in times of need,” he adds.  “There is a resurgence of people coming back to the church.  As much as we rely on the federal government for so much, the church has done more with tithes than the country done with taxes.” 
     
Ingram admits that the “good message” isn’t getting out there enough.  “We look at the things that tear us down but contrast that with all the good things that are happening that you don’t hear about.  We spend a lot of time talking about the negative and all the things that are not, but if you took the same amount of time and energy, and try to put in print all the good things the church and the community is doing, you wouldn’t have enough ink.”
      
We can’t forget the least of these, stressed Ingram.  “The big glaring disparity for a lot of people is economics, regardless of race.  How are you going to survive?  How are you going to eat?  What we have to do now is stand up and try to make the quality of life for people a lot better. 
   
“There’s a devaluation going on across the country for a lot of people,” he continues.  “The unions are not what they used to be. You got sixty percent are not even graduating from school and yet this is the most literate time of our lives.   It seems like every state and every city has its only economic woes and social struggles that they are dealing with.  So the question has to be asked – how better off are we than we were during the times of Dr. King.  What it really going to take for us to emerge and have a singleness of purpose again.
     
“There is a real critical need to refocus, reanalyze, reevaluate and reassess” what is currently happening in this country, says Ingram.  “You have two extremes going on:  the very poor and the very rich.  There is a need for a redistribution of wealth – you can’t a minority group of people, less than five percent, controlling that.”
      
The church has to stand up and speak the truth, believes the bishop.  “Pastors and (lay) people do something to arouse the attention or at least keep our people informed of what’s going on,” he says. 
     
Ingram also discussed the importance of HBCUs – the AME Church operates several, including Wilberforce (Ohio) University and Paul Quinn (Texas) College.  “Contrary to what a lot of people think, there still is a need for them,” stressed Ingram.
     
During his keynote speech, Bishop Ingram told the high school students, parents and others that he wasn’t always the best student in school.  “I flunked the fifth grade,” he admitted.  However, he turned things around and “graduated with honors,” the bishop says proudly. 
    
That fifth grade teacher who held him back “followed my career,” says Ingram. 
     
He warned the young people against nay-sayers:  “You never know what God has in store for you,” surmises the bishop.  “I want you to think big and dream big, and hold fast to your dreams.  Some of you need to be thinking about your dreams and aspirations like yesterday.”
     
Black colleges and universities should be supported, states Ingram, a Wilberforce graduate who quickly reminded the audience that Dr. King also was a HBCU graduate.  “You almost can’t name any Black leader who hadn’t attended a historic Black college,” added Ingram.
    
“There is a systemic attempt to wipe out some of these Black schools,” he believes. “These schools historically had a role in the growth and development of our people, our neighborhoods and who we are.  There are people who would not be, and this country would not be what it is today without . . . Black schools.
     
“I think some of you can help (HBCUs) stay abreast, alive and vibrate.  Not all of you will go to a Big Ten school or an Ivy League school, but you ought to give some consideration to Spellman (College) or Tuskegee (University) or Bethune-Cookman (University); or Wilberforce or Morehouse (College).  These schools are some wonderful schools,” surmises Bishop Ingram.  “All throughout this country there are familiar and wonderful historical Black colleges that all of you should give attention and consideration.”
    
“There still is a pivotal role for the historic Black college,” he concludes.  “Black schools have standards just like everyone else.”


6. A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR A MAJOR CHANGE:
       
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

We’re rapidly approaching the 49th General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Nashville, Tennessee.  Much of what we do in Nashville will set the stage for the celebration of our denominational Bicentennial when we go to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the 50th General Conference in 2016.  That reality leads me to make a suggestion to those who like to introduce General Conference legislation - the time has come for revision of the AME Hymnal.
       
When I mentioned that idea to a colleague, he noted that the hymnal was revised not that long ago.  I took that to be the product of a reality that my friend and I share but don’t like to admit - neither of us are young preachers anymore!
       
The hymnal was revised in 1984 - 28 years ago - to celebrate the 1787 bicentennial of Richard Allen’s walkout from Saint George’s Methodist Episcopal Church.  The 1987 revision broadened and offered ecumenical options for our liturgy, added hymns with an African-American flavor and included hymns which were formerly new and contemporary but had become standards by 1984. 
       
Songs that were considered to be “new and contemporary” when the AME Hymnal was revised 28 years ago have now become familiar standards.  Many of them, which can be found in the 2001 African-American Heritage Hymnal, are now used in many AME Churches to augment the hymns found in the 1984 Hymnal to give our worship a more contemporary flavor.

A revision of the AME Hymnal, which also serves as our essential book of worship, would provide an expanded selection of new and old hymns and service music, and would give us the chance to review our liturgy and include new things to meet contemporary needs and trends while also being faithful to our nearly two centuries of African Methodist tradition.
       
Revision of the AME Hymnal isn’t a radical idea.  The 1984 Bicentennial Hymnal was a revision of the 30 year old 1954 Hymnal.  The 1954 Hymnal was a revision of the 1941 Richard Allen Hymnal that was actually published in 1946.  In the “Publisher’s Word” for the 1941 Hymnal, W.K. Hopes, Manager of what was then called the “AME Book Concern, noted that the Hymnal had been revised numerous times since 1816, with major revisions by Bishops Henry McNeal Turner in 1876 and J.C. Embry in 1892. 
       
In the “Publisher’s Word,” for the re-printing of the 1954 Hymnal during his tenure, then Publisher and now Bishop Henry A. Belin noted that the speedy revision of the 1941 Hymnal was done, “In order that the AME Hymnal might have been fully modernized to avoid the use of other books containing the hymns needed in our Zion.”  By the standard expressed by Bishop Belin, a revision is in order.  Methodists are, as Supervisor Vivienne L. Anderson noted in the Preface to the 1984 Hymnal, a “Singing People.”  Worship in an African Methodist context should be familiar across the Connectional church but should also have a local flavor.
       
Our churches should offer a musical “buffet,” so that all of those who come through our doors to worship can find something that touches their hearts.  It’s very easy, in an era when many of our churches compete with congregations that only embrace what’s heard on Gospel radio, for pastors to make the strategic decision to lay the AME Hymnal aside and go with what’s more contemporary.  A solid and caring revision would make that strategic consideration a less than urgent demand.
       
I’m well aware that when it comes to good ideas in the AME Church, the words of Ecclesiastes 1:9b apply: “...there is nothing new under the sun.”  If the idea of revision is already being kicked around, then I endorse it and offer my thoughts herein as support for the idea.  If not, I hope the idea is given due consideration, so that those who find spiritual comfort in “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” and those who find spiritual comfort in “Lord, Keep Me Day By Day” can find shared comfort in the songs of our Zion that form the bedrock for our worship experience.

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

7. NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY – FEBRUARY 7, 2012:

HIV/AIDS remains a persistent threat to the health and well-being of Black communities.  The African Methodist Episcopal Church Connectional Health Commission and faith based leaders all over the country are stepping up their effort in honor of the 12th commemoration of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – February 7, 2012.  They are doing this to meet the crisis that confronts Black communities every day.  This year’s theme, “Changing the Course of HIV/AIDS, 1 Black Life at a Time” underscores the need for faith-based leaders, groups and organizations to work hand in hand to instill value and worth into Black communities.

February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a national HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative designed to encourage Blacks across the United States, Territorial Areas and Diaspora to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated around HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities. 

When looking at HIV/AIDS by race and ethnicity alone, Blacks have more illness (Blacks represent approximately 14% of the U.S. population and account for 44% of all new HIV infections and 46% of people living with HIV disease); and more deaths (Blacks accounted for 57% of deaths due to HIV in 2006 and the survival time after an AIDS diagnosis is lower on average than it is for most other racial/ethnic groups).

There is an Ethiopian Proverb that reads, “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.”  As a person of influence within the Black community, we are asking you to join us in encouraging Blacks across the United States and Territorial Areas to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated around HIV/AIDS.  Statistics show that Blacks continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.  Let’s continue the work of bringing change to Black America!  Register your church and the event in which you will lead or participate on the Connectional Health Commission website, www.amechealth.org.

It seems that the cost of living continues to rise, but the cost of dying is lessening.  We need your voice, influence, passion and commitment in this fight to save our Beloved Community from an epidemic that is 100% preventable.  To find out more information about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), please visit www.blackaidsday.org.

*The Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MDiv, MPH is the Medical Director,
AMEC Connectional Health Commission

8. BELIEVE IN HER - FOR HER EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT ELLEN JOHNSON:

*Danica Daniels
  
We are more than war and
excellence rises from the rubbles.
Have you ever looked over the Atlantic Ocean
and stood in hot Liberian sand
and wondered how 
one could call
such blessed grandeur
barren and
war torn?
We are undimmed
might and beauty.
Our future rises from our present struggle.
Give Liberia your heart.
Believe in her
and teach your children peace
and justice without blood shed
and love without barriers.
Those who lead her must love her.
Mark your calendar for this is her
7th year of unmoving adoration,
of careful peace and steady just light.
A Peace Warrior leads Liberia 
back to her golden age. Let us march 
to the steady paces of our heartbeats,
So that generations far beyond us can
stand on this land
and marvel in the joy that is
Liberia.

Composed by Danica Rwysayma Daniels, December 28, 2011. Danica is the daughter of Bishop and Mrs. David R. Daniels, Presiding Prelate and Episcopal Supervisor of the 14th Episcopal District.  Liberia is a part of the 14th Episcopal District.

9. FROM PRAGMATIC PRAISE TO POSITIVE ACTION:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

One of the blessings of modern technology is that busy people can now download electronic books online and read them at their leisure. One of the books I’m now reading is “The Universe Bends Toward Justice: Radical Reflections on the Bible, the Church, and the Body Politic” by Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, an AME theologian and professor at the New York Theological Seminary.

In the first Chapter, Dr. Hendricks expresses both his affinity for and frustration with contemporary Gospel music. He begins that chapter with a 1997 quote from modern Gospel icon Kirk Franklin: “People need to get high off something spiritual, and I’m the holy dope dealer. I got this drug, I got this Jesus rock. And you can have a type of high that you’ve never experienced.”

Dr. Hendricks’ thoughts resonated with me. I enjoy modern Gospel songs like “The Presence of the Lord is Here” and “Praise Him in Advance,” but they only emphasize praise and personal experience. Spirituals like “Go Down, Moses” and “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder, Soldiers of the Cross,” however, are products of an era when God’s children of color were struggling with slavery and striving for freedom. They emphasize shared struggle and shared responsibility for positive action, and became anthems of the 20th century civil rights struggle.

Some now argue that the struggle is over and that we can focus on praise and personal prosperity, but that argument doesn’t hold up in the face of reality. As I write these words, the South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary is looming on the horizon and the candidates are offering outrageous, racially divisive, “red meat” rhetoric to their voting base. Their pandering to the fears of bigots and their quest for nomination not to serve the people but to “beat Obama” says loud and clear that we have miles to go before we live in a post-racial America.

The historically black church was born and forged in the crucible of injustice, fought for freedom and dignity down through the years, and gave rise to what is now known as Liberation Theology. In many respects, however, the historically black church has become a dim reflection of what it used to be.
Some of America’s largest and fastest growing black churches emphasize “praise and personal prosperity,” with an obligatory nod to the needy once found only in predominately white churches that salved their collective consciences by doing acts of charity for the poor without really changing their lives. Some pastors choose to be pragmatic rather than prophetic and won’t take stands on social issues and public policy, lest they offend those looking for “feel good” religion or those who award monetary grants to bolster their churches. As AME Bishop John Hurst Adams says, “It’s hard to bark when you’re chewing on a bone.”

The struggle for human and civil rights still goes on and is still critical to many of those in communities served by historically black churches, but many churches are “missing in action” when it comes to changing systems that impact the lives of their parishioners and only offer “spiritual popcorn,” which is light, tasty and easy to swallow but far less than spiritually nutritious. Many of those in our communities still look to the church to advocate for them and to the pastors they financially support to take stands that they can’t comfortably take. They’re too often simply told to “praise the Lord” and “count on Jesus” and not encouraged to “fight the good fight” or to work to see that justice and righteousness flow freely for all of God’s children.

We’ll elect a President of the United States in 2012, and the church needs to play a role in our doing so by registering, educating and mobilizing voters, by speaking truth to power and by confronting those who drape the politics of racist fear and division in the cloak of religion.

We must be prophetic rather than pragmatic, so that we can honor those who fearlessly and faithfully sacrificed and suffered to gain the rights that we now enjoy. To do otherwise is to insult their memory and to spit in the face of the Jesus who confronted the powers-that-be of His day, and who advocated for the well being of those shunned and oppressed by polite society. That timeless spiritual imperative should carry us beyond pragmatic praise to positive action, for the words of our ancestors in the faith are still true – if we don’t stand for something, we’ll fall for anything.

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

10. IN COMMEMORATION OF THE RECOGNIZED FATHER OF BLACK HISTORY:

*Theman R. Taylor, Sr. Ph.D.

Carter G. Woodson 1875-1950 - documented and restored the black past for America

If a race has no documented history, then it becomes a negligible factor in the thoughts of the world and stands in danger of being exterminated from the world stage. According to the text, The Africans Who Wrote the Bible, by Alex Darkwah, the African People appreciated the value of documented history and traditions as reflected in the Bible itself; thus they are still a factor in world civilization. Additionally, Carter Woodson states, 'The achievements of the Negro properly set forth will crown him as a factor in early human progress and a maker of modern civilization.'

When the Harvard graduate initiate Negro History Week in 1926, the main thrust was to correct the omission of facts by historians and others that gave little thought or information to Blacks as contributors in building the country's past and present history.  He recognized that part of the problem stems from what people are taught and learned. If one's contribution to history is suspect, one's humanity and personality will be also.  In America what Woodson started was a restoration project: the demand to be re-entered into history teaching

At the beginning of the 20th Century, African American History took a giant step when the movement to rescue the African American from "History or His-Story" oversight came under the leadership of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The Woodson restoration project forced us to re-examine America's past record that has contributed to the mis-education of the American people and have unprepared us to deal with the present.  Any environment or educational system which suggests that children be educated in an atmosphere of semi-permanent amnesia, humiliation, or small doses about their ancestor's contribution is a history not worth knowing.  Recognition in some cases would be given in a passing note in the drama of Anglo-Saxon destiny and fulfillment.

Woodson, born of former slaves, Annie and James Woodson in New Canton, Virginia on December 19, 1875, is widely honored and recognized as the Father of Negro History Week (now called Black History Month, changed in 1976). During the Bicentennial celebration, the change was made to include the entire month of February to allow more time for programs and celebrations). The change acknowledges the new consciousness, rediscovery and relationship with their African ancestry, as well as her/his contribution to America's cultural life) Woodson selected February because he was attuned to the symbolism of the American psyche: the birthdays of Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington; and of course W.E.B. Du Bois are in February. 

 Academic success for Woodson was by no means easy. Because of conditions not controlled by African Americans he was forced to work as a miner in Virginia when he was young, and when he entered Douglass High School in 1895 he was almost 20.  Beginning his career as a High School Teacher, then Principal and later Professor and Dean at Howard University and West Virginia State College.  Woodson was educated at Berea College and the Sorbonne in Paris, received his Master's Degree from the University of Chicago in 1908 and earned his Doctorate from Harvard in 1912.  Dr. Woodson was one of the few formally trained African American Historians at the beginning of the 20th Century, the first being W.E.B. Du Bois, whose doctoral dissertation in history in 1895 from Harvard became the first title published in the Harvard Historical Studies. Unlike Woodson, Du Bois did not didn’t make history his main emphasis: he turned to protest and agitation. Woodson perceived neglect for his people and spent his entire adult life striving to end it and according to the late historian John Henrik Clarke, restoring the missing segments of world history.

Prior to earning his doctorate from Harvard, Woodson had wanted to study African American History at the University of Michigan. He made this request to one of the leading so-called historians on slavery and the south, Ulrich Bonell Phillips, who was teaching at the University of Michigan. 'Told by Woodson that he would like to study African American History, Phillips replied, "There's no such thing." Dr. Woodson was convinced that "if a race has no recognized or recorded history, its achievements would be forgotten and finally claimed by other groups."  An example could be made and applied to Henry David Thoreau.  Oftentimes Thoreau is given credit for setting forth the methods of resisting an unjust government without resorting to violence, principles laid out in his pamphlet on Civil Disobedience in 1849  His ideas are alleged to have influence Mohandas Gandhi and later Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  However an African American, William Whipple, one of the Founders of the American Moral Reform Society set forth these same principles in an article he wrote in 1837 for the ‘Colored American’ entitled "An Address on Non-Resistance to Offensive Aggression."

He insisted on researching and publishing the facts as they were found, washing dirty linen in public regardless of who it affected.  This might explain why wealthy patrons and foundations at times refused him money. Mary McCleod Bethune probably best expressed the thrust and impact of Carter Woodson on his death, April 3, 1950: "I believe in Carter Woodson because he stirred the dormant pride in the souls of thousands and, ignorant or, unmindful of our glorious heritage...I love Carter Woodson, but I do not grieve for him, because I know on that April Day when he left his post...he left it to join ranks of those great servants of humanity whose leadership is timeless."

America is basically a multi-ethnic and potentially great country but when one examines the Black experience, this nation has never made the best use of the fact that it is multi-ethnic. Dr. Carter G. Woodson's restoration project and Black History Month challenges Americans to confront its past, good and bad, Black History Month should be used as a tool to measure African American people, past, present and future, not as a time for bring out of closets and boxes the picture of great, safe and approved African Americans (Knee-grows) only to tuck them away at the end of the month until next year. It must be observed twelve months a year with February being the month of reaffirmation, assessing the challenge and preserving African American Humanity.


*Dr. Theman R. Taylor is a native-son of Sunny South Dallas, H. S. Thompson, Lincoln High School Class 1960. Dr. Taylor, Ph.D., retired college tenured professor of History, recently moved back home and is currently living in Lancaster, Texas with wife, Mary Alice Taylor.  He is former member of Conner Chapel AME Church and a former Trustee and Director of Christian Education.

11. THE REV. DR. CECELIA WILLIAMS TO BE GIVEN 2012 HELEN FLANDERS DUNBAR AWARD BY ACPE:


CLEVELAND, Ohio _ The Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams, pastor of the Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Cleveland, Ohio, will be presented the 2012 Helen Flanders Dunbar Award, Feb. 8, 2012 by The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education at its presidential dinner at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington Virginia.

This award is a distinguished honor that annually recognizes the contributions of a Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor. For the past 33 years, Dr. Williams’ ministry has followed two streams, as a local Pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and as a Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor.

In 1989, Dr. Williams became the first African-American woman to be certified as a full supervisor in the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.  She has trained men and women for ministry from various faith groups and from many different racial and ethnic backgrounds at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, La., the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond Va., The Fayetteville NC Department of Veterans Affairs, the Louis Stokes Cleveland, VA Medical Center; the APEX CPE Center and the DMC/Sinai Grace Medical Center in Detroit, Mich. Under her supervision, Dr. Williams’ students’ became successful pastors, counselors and chaplains in hospitals, prisons and college campuses. 

Dr. Williams’ pastoral experiences in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, include serving as senior pastor for seven congregations in three Episcopal Districts, the 8th, 2nd, and 3rd. She earned her Doctorate of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio; a Master’s of Divinity from the New Orleans Theological Seminary; and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts, School of Community and Public Service.  Her CPE training was conducted at the Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans Louisiana.

 The AME Church endorsed Dr. Williams as a Federal Chaplain. She served at the Fayetteville, NC. VA Medical Center, where she opened a new CPE Center. In 2002, she was appointed as the Director of CPE at the Louis Stokes Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cleveland. Her work there included, opening a CPE Center, serving as a Staff Chaplain and Chair of the Medical Center’s Ethics Committee. Dr. Williams retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. After her retirement she was assigned as the Clinical Pastoral Education/Administrative Supervisor at the Detroit Medical Center/ Sinai Grace Hospital. She continues her relationship with several professional, community organizations and boards. Dr. Williams, a widow, is the mother of three adult children, and five grandchildren. She has many clerical friends that she also considers a part of her extended family

Submitted by Tina A. Brown, Email: tabbrown1@yahoo.com


12. PASTOR CLAUDE RAY JAMES HONORED FOR 30 YEARS OF PASTORAL MINISTRY:

On November 19, 2011, members of historic First A. M. E. Church, Athens, Georgia celebrated the 30 years of Pastoral Ministry of their pastor, the Rev. Claude Ray James. People traveled long distances to celebrate with their pastor, former pastor, mentor, friend and colleague.

The evening was designed to celebrate, roast and toast the outstanding career of Pastor James. Over eighty people enjoyed the program that was divided into three parts: Presiding over the Blaze; Fanning the Flames; and Fiery Response.

Speakers “lightly roasted” Pastor James during the “Presiding over the Blaze” presentation; during the “Fanning the Flames” segment, speakers toasted the Rev. James for his many accomplishments. Some of the comments included: Pastor James is a biblical scholar, his Bible Study classes are excellent, and his sermons are biblically-based and well-structured; Pastor James is a lover of humanity, he relates well with people from all walks of life; and Pastor James is a no-nonsense pastor, and he is well disciplined and well-prepared.

Pastor James began his ministry in 1982.  In 1982-1986, he pastored St. Paul AME Church in Covington, Georgia.  From 1986-1993, he pastored at First AME Church in Athens, Georgia. After leaving Athens, he pastored Bethel AME Church in Albany, Georgia.  In 1993, he was assigned to Allen Temple AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

He made history in 2009 by returning to First AME Church, Athens, Georgia for a second pastoral assignment.  He has revived a ministry with the Bethel Town Village community, which is adjacent to the church.  In addition to many other initiatives, he has re-established the church Food Bank which serves over 50 families each week.

Pastor James most ambitious initiative is the Nehemiah Project, which is designed to raise $100,000 as “seed money” for renovation of Historical First AME Church.  $81,000,000 has been raised to date.

The evening also included a liturgical dance by the First AME Liturgical Dancers. This dance group was founded by Pastor James.

A spectacular video presentation with photos of Pastor James from infancy to the present-day was a delight for everyone in attendance.

The guests enjoyed a bountiful multi-tiered buffet of delectable food.  It was mentioned during several presentations that Pastor James loves to eat and he was not disappointed during the evening.

During the “Fiery Response,” Pastor James thanked all of those who attended and remarked that he was most gracious for the years of friendship with them.

To commemorate the milestone, Pastor James was given an engraved crystal Bible and an engraved pen and pencil set.
The evening concluded with a formal toast to Pastor James. Everyone stood with cider-filled glasses and toasted Pastor James.

Pastor James conducted a tour of the historic church for some of the guests.

13. “FIVE REASONS WHY NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT YOUR HBCU” – ARTICLE IN TODAY’S (1/26/12) issue of HBCUDigest.com  



TCR Editor’s Note: I believe the article Five Reasons Why No One is Talking About Your HBCU” has relevance for the local church.  From the local church perspective when reading this article, in your mind, replace “Your HBCU, your school” with the name of your local church; replace the names of “Howard, Morehouse, Spelman, Tuskegee” with the names of other successful churches in your community; replace “president” with the name of your pastor; and replace “alumni” and “students” with the local church officers and members.  

You ever get tired of the same HBCUs getting the same kind of national attention? Howard, Morehouse, Spelman, Tuskegee…blah, blah, blah. It gets a little monotonous to hear the same handful of HBCUs getting the same coverage and love your school deserves.
Some of it has to do with longevity. Older schools have the benefit of history serving their promotional interests, particularly when the older a school, the more alumni it likely has graduated and engaged to give back and promote. Some of it has to do with alumni; the more popular the alumni, the more likely people will be interested in where they attended school.
But most of all, no one is talking about your HBCU because the HBCU isn’t giving anyone anything to talk about. Save for the occasional cafeteria brawl, sex tape or fired coach, your school isn’t at the forefront of discussion of notable HBCUs, or how it benefits black communities nationwide.
And that’s a shame, because your school is probably REALLY good at doing things that deserve credit and attention. It’s just that it’s also REALLY bad at telling its own story.
Here are five reasons why nobody knows about your HBCU.
5. Your Alumni Are Uninformed - If alumni know about student success, political victories, community development, chances are their families know about it. And their friends. And their co-workers. And their church family. And their hairdresser/barber. Get the point? Inform alumni, inform a nation.
4. Students Are Uninspired – There are many HBCUs that do a wonderful job at instilling school pride in their students. But the school pride only comes out at political rallies, athletic events, and when challenged by an outsider. Does your HBCU demand community service? Does it bombard students with stories of their own success via email, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube? Do they have a chance to share the lessons they learn in classes in real life applications that benefit the campus and surrounding community?
3. Your football team sucks - Truth is; athletics is the greatest marketing tool any college or university can have. The better your football team, the more chances reporters come around to find out what makes them so good. When you bring fans to the stadium, the school has the opportunity to share other good news taking place on campus. It is the ultimate fundraise, scholarship vehicle and open invitation to neighbors of your campus.
2. Your president doesn’t come out his office enough - If your president is not out of the office building relationships, motivating alumni, connecting with legislators, and making partnerships with corporations, the outside world has no concept of what your school has to offer beyond what the media reports. And often, that’s not good news.
1. Your school is missing the ‘One Big Thing’ – FAMU has the Marching 100. North Carolina A&T and Howard have famous homecomings. Grambling has Eddie Robinson. Morehouse has Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fisk has the Jubilee Singers. What is the one big thing everyone should know your school claims, has, does, or offers? If you can’t answer that question in three words or less, your school is doomed to agonizing anonymity.
Read HBCU Digest Online: http://www.hbcudigest.com/

14. AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission: The following have been named to the 14-member executive committee: Sandy Canon, chair; Robert Murray, vice chair; Michael Ades, treasurer; and Kenneth Golphin, secretary.

Read more here:


15. THE REV SHARON GRANT COMPLETES REQUIREMENT FOR PH.D. IN CHURCH HISTORY FROM SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY:

The Reverend Sharon Grant is proud to announce the completion of the requirements for the Ph.D. in Church History from Southern Methodist University, (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.  The Rev. Sharon Grant is a candidate for Historiographer and Executive Director for Research and Scholarship.

Dr. Grant‘s research project was centered on the history of African Methodism on the island of Jamaica, her father’s birthplace.  In addition to the completion of the Ph.D. Dr. Grant accomplished the task with Honors on the dissertation and Honors on the oral defense on December 12, 2011.  She is the first African-American woman to be admitted, matriculate and complete the Ph.D. program from the Graduate Program of Religious Studies (GPRS) at SMU.   For this and other mercies, Dr. Grant says, “To God be the Glory, Great things God has done!”

Rev. Grant remains on a quest to serve the Connectional AME Church as the next Historiographer and Executive Director of Research and Scholarship. History is not just her academic discipline, it is her ministry, and she is “Today’s Historian for Tomorrow’s Church.”


16. 2012 SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES FOR THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor


SOUTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February 28-March 1, 2012
Bethel A.M.E. Church
217 South Washington Street
Albany, GA 31701
TEL 229-435-8589
The Reverend Ernest Davis, Jr., Host Pastor
The Reverend Jacqueline Smith, Host Presiding Elder

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA CONFERENCE
March 6-8, 2012
Saint John A.M.E. Church
3980 Steam Mill Road
Columbus, GA 31907
TEL 706-682-6944
The Reverend Debora F. Grant, Host Pastor
The Reverend M. Sven “Karl” Colquitt, Host Presiding Elder

GEORGIA CONFERENCE
March 27-29, 2012
Saint Paul A.M.E. Church
1520 Wolfe Street
Brunswick, GA 31521
Telephone: 912-264-2734
The Reverend Catherine Mathis, Host Pastor
The Reverend Dan Stevenson, Host Presiding Elder

AUGUSTA GEORGIA CONFERENCE
April 24-26, 2012
First A.M.E. Church
521 North Hull Street
Athens, GA 30603
TEL 706-548-1454
The Reverend Claude R. James, Host Pastor
The Reverend Ella M. Samuels, Host Presiding Elder


MACON GEORGIA CONFERENCE
May 8-10, 2012
Turner Tabernacle A.M.E. Church
1104 Third Street
Macon, GA 31201
TEL 478-743-4932
The Reverend Ernest Gordon, Host Pastor
The Reverend Alan H. Wicker, Host Presiding Elder

ATLANTA NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
May 22-24, 2012
The Cathedral of Turner Chapel
492 N. Marietta Parkway
Marietta, GA 30060
TEL 770-422-6791
The Reverend Dr. Kenneth E. Marcus, Host Pastor
The Reverend Cassandra Y. Marcus, Host Co-Pastor
The Reverend David Rhone, Host Presiding Elder

POST-PLANNING MEETING
June 1, 2012
Saint Philip A.M.E. Church
240 Candler Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30317
TEL 404-371-0749
The Reverend Dr. William Watley, Host Pastor
The Reverend Earle Ifill, Host Presiding Elder

DEVEAUX LEGACY CELEBRATION
June 1, 2012
Saint Philip A.M.E. Church
240 Candler Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30317
TEL 404-371-0749
The Reverend Dr. William Watley, Host Pastor
The Reverend Earle Ifill, Host Presiding Elder

DEVEAUX LEGACY/BUILDING DEDICATION
June 2, 2012
Sixth Episcopal District Headquarters
2900 Chamblee Tucker Road, Building Three
Atlanta, GA 30341
TEL 770-220-1770

17. THE 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR THE 14TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Bishop David R. Daniels, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Irene Moifoi Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor

COTE D’IVOIRE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

January 26, 2012   W. M. S. Annual Convention
January 27-29, 2012: The Cote D’Ivoire Annual Conference
Host Church: Bryant AME Church
Vridi-Canal, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. Kenneth Ansah
Host Presiding Elder: 

NIGERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

February 2, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
February 3-5, 2012:  Annual Conference
Host Church: Bethel AME Church
Old Akute Road, Isaga, Lagos
Host Pastor: The Rev. Boniface Essien
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Boniface Essien
Hosting Conference at All Saints AME Church
1, Adeniran Falohun Street, Ogundimu Estate, Iju- Ishaga, Lagos, Nigeria.

TOGO/BENIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

February 9, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
February 10-12, 2012: The Togo/Benin Annual Conference
Host Church: Norris AME Church
Lome, Togo, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. John Afawoubo
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Julien Segniagbeto


GHANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

February 15, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
February 16-19, 2012: The Ghana Annual Conference
Bethel A.M.E. Church
Accra, Ghana, West Africa
Host Pastor, the Rev. Collier C. Coleman
Host Presiding Elder, S. K. Nartey

SIERRA LEONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

February 29, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 1-4, 2012: The Sierra Leone Annual Conference
Host Church: New Zion AME Church
Padamba Road
Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa
Host Pastor: The Rev. Ayodele A.A. Aitkins
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Isaac Showers

CENTRAL LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

April – 9-10, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
April 11 – 15, 2012: The Central Liberia Annual Conference
Host Church: Susan Brooks AME Church
Host Pastor: The Rev. James O. Jallah
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. V. Bryant Kporyor

LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

April 16 –17, 2012: W.M.S. Annual Convention
April 18 – 22, 2012: The Liberia Annual Conference
Host Church: Eliza Turner Memorial AME Church
Host District: Monrovia District
Host Pastors: The Rev. Alvin Attah
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. David A. B. Parker
34 Camp Johnson Road
Monrovia, Liberia

18. THE 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR 16TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Bishop Sarah Frances Davis, Presiding Prelate
Mr. Claytie Davis, Episcopal Supervisor


FEBRUARY 2012

01     Haiti WMS Convention, Mariani AME Church; Host, Venue: Mary Beckett AMEC         
02-05 Haiti Annual Conference, Mariani AME Church, Hosting, Venue: Mary Beckett AMEC

08      Dominican Republic WMS Convention, La
          Romana, Impacto Davida AME Church,
          Bishop Preaching Night in White
09-12 Dominican Republic Annual Conference, La
          Romana, Impacto Davida AME Church

15-17  Global Development Executive Meeting,
          Johannesburg, South Africa

29       Suriname/Guyana WMS Convention, Nu
          Bethel, Suriname

MARCH /APRIL 2012

01-04 Suriname/Guyana Conference, Nu Bethel, Suriname

07      Windward Islands WMS Convention, Metropolitan AME Church, Port of Spain,
          Trinidad

08-11 Windward Islands Annual Conference, Metropolitan AME Church, Port of Spain, Trinidad

21      Jamaica WMS Convention, Chapel of Christ, Kingston, Jamaica

22–25 Jamaica Centenary Annual Conference, Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer, Kingston, JA

28      Virgin Islands WMS Convention, Bethel AME Church, Christiansted, Virgin Islands

29–     Virgin Islands Annual Conference, Bethel AMEC, Christiansted, Virgin Islands
April 1

APRIL

13     AMEC CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

19     European Conference WMS Convention,
        Nouvelle Alliance AME Church, Lyon, France
20-    European Annual Conference, Nouvelle
22    Alliance, AMEC, Lyon, France

25-27 Bishop and Presiding Elders Planning Meeting, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

19. MID-WEEK MEDITATION BASED ON MATTHEW 6:5-13:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

When I was a South Carolina government employee, “direct deposit” was a new paycheck option that initially received a lukewarm response.  Fewer than half of my co-workers signed up for it because, as one of them said, “I don’t trust that - I need to see and touch my money!”

We’ve come a long way since those days.  Paychecks and retirement checks are now routinely deposited electronically to our bank accounts, we commonly use debit cards to access our funds, and we check our balances and transfer money between accounts online.  In many respects, we’ve become an almost “cashless” society.

Our doing so is a matter of trust in technology.  We routinely pay bills through automatic account withdrawals and make purchases with “plastic,” and our church’s website even offers an online contribution option.  Years ago, as my former co-worker said, we needed to “see and touch” our money.  For many of us today, however, money is an abstract concept - we believe that it’s in our bank accounts without seeing or touching it.

If we can exercise that kind of faith in electronic banking, then we should have equal - and greater - faith in the God who created us, provides for us, and knows what we need before we think to ask for it.  Many people who trust in electronic banking without hesitation are reluctant to trust in a God that they can’t see or touch, and will sometimes ask for evidence that there is a God and that God is blessing them.  Taking the time to count our blessings can address that concern.


Just as the word “approved” appears on cash register keypads when we make a successful debit card purchase and just as our merchandise arrives on time when we make an online purchase, our daily blessings are evidence of the presence of God.  We may not see God face to face, but our waking up each day, making it through life’s rough spots and being well and safe in spite of life’s challenges are evidence of the blessed presence of God in our lives.

When we apply the same standard to the reliable goodness of the Lord that we apply to the reliability of “electronic” money, then we’ll realize how good God is to us.  We’ll find new peace of mind and new encouragement in knowing that a mighty God that we can’t see or touch is with us every step along life’s way and find new meaning in the words of an old hymn of the church - “Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.”

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

20. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

- Grandparents: Bishop and Mrs. C. Garnett Henning, Sr.

We praise God for the Happy, Healthy Birth of Massiah Garnett Love Spragin, born on December 25, 2011, at 11:37 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, to Carma Henning-Spragin and Ronald Spragin.
The proud Grandparents are Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr. and Supervisor Ernestine Lee Henning, Presiding Prelate and Episcopal Supervisor of the Third Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church


The healthy baby boy and his lovely mother are doing just fine. We solicit your prayers for the entire family on this special blessed event.

"Loving God, thank You for the gift of life and for bringing Massiah Garnett Love Spragin safely into this world. May You bless him and keep him, helping him to grow loving, strong, and healthy in Your love, now and always. Amen."

Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr. and Supervisor Ernestine Lee Henning

- Bishop Samuel L. Green was invited and attended the State of the Union address delivered by President Obama

Bishop Samuel L. Green attended the State of the Union Address delivered by President Obama. Bishop Green was invited to this historical event by Congressman Mike Ross, who is allowing Bishop Green the honor of sitting in his seat in the Chamber.

Submitted by Anita Brannon, Office Manager, 12th Episcopal District AMEC
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate

- Chaplain Carroll R. Chambliss, U.S. Navy (Retired) and Mrs. Christene H. Chambliss celebrated 69th Wedding Anniversary

Retired U.S. Navy Chaplain Carroll R. Chambliss and Mrs. Christene H. Chambliss, former North America Area President of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and former WMS Connectional Officer, celebrated their sixty-ninth wedding anniversary, Monday, January 2, 2012.

Their Message: "Sixty-nine years and still in love."

- Belated congratulatory responses and well-wishes can be sent to:

Chaplain and Mrs. Carroll R. Chambliss
200 N. Pickett Street # 708
Alexandria, Virginia 22304

(703) 823-2616 (Phone)
(703) 823-3441 (Fax)


- The Reverend Lillian Frey completed her Master of Art Degree Program

The Reverend Lillian Frey completed her Master of Art degree program in Education Curriculum Designs from the University of Phoenix on December 19, 2011. She will march during the spring 2012 commencement exercises.

The Reverend Lillian Frey, a member of the West Tennessee Conference, 13th Episcopal District, is the spouse of the Reverend Nathan Frey, Pastor of Allen Bethel AME Church, Lewisburg, Tennessee.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: lillian.n.frey@mnps.org


21. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to inform you that George Miller Henning died yesterday after a long illness. He is the husband of Rita Claiborne Henning, father of Kris Henning and Kyle Henning, brother to Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Supervisor Ernestine Henning, Presiding Prelate and Supervisor, Third Episcopal District AMEC.

Service arrangements and other details will be forth coming. Please remember the family in your prayers.

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. John R. Newman, husband of the Rev. Cynthia M. Newman, the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Jacksonville, Illinois (Illinois Conference, North District). Mr. Newman, known by many as "Ricky," served faithfully as the Director of Christian Education and Sunday School Superintendent of Bethel AMEC. He will be greatly missed; however we praise God for his service in Kingdom-building.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Visitation and Funeral, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Visitation: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Funeral: 11:30 a.m.

St. Paul AME Church
1130 South 16th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 217-522-4796
Fax: 217-522-2411

The Rev. Galda I. McCants, Pastor

Professional Care entrusted to:

Walker Funeral Home
2300 East Cook Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 217-753-3783
Fax: 217-362-6221

Words of comfort may be sent to:

The Rev. Cynthia M. Newman
2912 Selkirk Road
Springfield, IL 62702

Phone: 217-528-6156

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Rev. Ladell W. Mayers, which occurred on Sunday, January 22, 2012. The Rev. Mayers was a retired pastor from the New Jersey Annual Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.


Viewing and Funeral, Monday, January 30, 2012

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

Christ Baptist Church
950 Jacksonville Road
Burlington, NJ 08016

Telephone: 609-387-2134
Fax: 609-386-5842

The Rev. Frederick C. Johnson, Pastor

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Angela Nelms (daughter)
15 Holyoke Lane
Willingboro, NJ 08046

Telephone: 609-880-1983

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:


We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Linda L. Singleton, the wife of the Rev. Benjamin Singleton, Jr. who is the pastor of Allen Memorial AMEC, New York (New York Conference, Brooklyn/West Chester District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

The viewing and funeral were held on Friday, January 27, 2012

Bridge Street AME Church
277 Stuyvesant Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11221
Phone: 718-452-3936
Fax: 718-453-4134

The Rev. David B. Cousin, Sr., Pastor

The Rev. Alvan N. Johnson, Presiding Elder, Brooklyn/West Chester District, was the eulogist.

Burial: St. Stephens, South Carolina

Words of Comfort may be sent to:

The Rev. Benjamin Singleton, Jr.
1309 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10029

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Annie Mae Rhodes who passed on Friday, January 13, 2012 at the age of 96. Mrs. Rhodes was a lifetime member of the Women's Missionary Society, a former school teacher and the widow of the late Rev. Herman A. Rhodes, a retired Presiding Elder in the First District who passed in 2004.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

Ward AME Church
728 N. 43rd Street
Philadelphia PA 19104
Phone: 215-222-7992
Fax: 215-222-9209

The Rev. Terrence C. Hensford, Pastor

Words of Comfort may be sent to:

The family of Mrs. Annie Mae Rhodes
 C/o Ward A.M.E. Church
728 N. 43rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104


26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Hubert Lee Ricks, Jr. (June Bug) of Soperton, GA, the nephew of Presiding Elder Ella Mae Samuels.

Hubert Lee Ricks, Jr. was born January 22, 1962 to Hubert Lee (Sr.) and Burnice Ricks and departed this life on Thursday night, January 19, 2012 in the St. Joseph -Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia.

Hubert Lee Ricks, Jr. was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Burnice Ricks. He is survived by his father Mr. Hubert Lee Ricks, Sr. (the brother of Elder Samuels) and his stepmother, Mrs. Ethel Ricks of Adrian, Georgia.

Hubert Lee Ricks, Jr. joined the St. Mary Baptist Church in Adrian, GA at an early age and remained a member until his death.

The funeral was held at Jordan Hill Baptist Church in Adrian GA on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.

Condolences may be sent to Mr. Hubert Lee Ricks, Sr. Post Office Box 458 - Adrian, Georgia 31002 or Presiding Elder Ella Mae Samuels - 1047 Huntly Circle - Thomson, GA 30824.  Email: pesmiley@gmail.com

The Vincent R. Drummer Funeral Home of Soperton, GA is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Donald G. Harwell, former pastor in the Fourth Episcopal District.  The Reverend Donald G. Harwell pastored DuPage AME Church (Lisle, IL); Newman AME Church (Pontiac, MI); and St. Paul AME Church (Glencoe, IL) before retiring.

He was the Founding Pastor of DuPage AME Church, Lisle, IL, Civil Rights & Community Activist, Corporate Executive, US Air Force Veteran and a Former City of Maywood Trustee. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edwina, who lives in Brunswick, Georgia.


DuPage AME Church will host a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 1:00 pm.

DuPage AME Church
4300 Yackley Avenue
Lisle, IL 60532
630-969-9800
630-969-9807 (fax)
www.DuPageAMEC.org
The Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, Senior Pastor
The Rev. Lana Parks Miller, Executive Pastor

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Totally Free, Inc.
2517 Norwich Street
Brunswick, GA 31520


Expressions to the family can be sent to:
Edwina Harwell
126 Lakeview Circle
Brunswick, GA 31525


28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We share with regret the passing of Sister Alice Overton, mother of Sister Zetta Rice and mother-in-law of the Rev. Mason G. Rice, Jr., Pastor and First Lady of St. James AME Church-Denton, Texas. (Greater Fort Worth District, P. E. Johnny Ray Mitchell), Northwest Texas Annual Conference. Sister Overton was ushered by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Friday morning, January 13, 2012.

The funeral for Sister Overton was held on Friday, January 20, 2012 at St. Paul AME Church in Cleburne, Texas.


Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Mason G. & Mrs. Zetta Rice
2224 Cravens Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76112
Phone: (817) 429-8925


29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Geneva G. Deal, the mother of Mrs. Marjorie Deal Brown who is the widow of the Rev. Levi Brown. The members of the Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization, Plus P.K.'S of the Second Episcopal District African Methodist Church extend sympathy to their Historiographer in her loss.

The funeral was held on January 21, 2012

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Marjorie D. Brown
2709 Kendall Drive
Charlotte, NC 28216


30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Elaine Tyler, the mother-in-law of AMEC preacher's kid, Mr. William W. Easley, III and the mother of Mrs. Sonja Elaine Tyler Easley, the son and daughter-in-law of Dr. William W. Easley, Jr., Pastor of Taylor Chapel AME Church, Bowling Green, Kentucky and Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator, The AME Clergy Family Information Center.  William W. Easley, III and Sonja Elaine Tyler Easley are members of Reid Temple AME Church, Glenn Dale, Maryland; Dr. Lee P. Washington, Pastor.

Mrs. Elaine Tyler, the wife of Mr. Larry Tyler, mother of Daphne Pryor (Kenneth), Erik Tyler (Victoria), Sonja Easley (William), and grandmother of 10 grandchildren; of Washington, D.C. passed away peacefully and quietly in her sleep following an extended illness.

The funeral was held on January 18, 2012

Expressions of sympathy and messages of condolence may be sent to:

Mr. and Mrs. William W. (Sonja) Easley, III
1612 Monarch Birch Way
Bowie, Maryland 20721
(301) 925-8749

Email Addresses:

(Sonja Tyler Easley)   So_bo@hotmail.com
(William W. Easley, III) weasley3@gmail.com

Or to the funeral home (address is above)

And to:

Mr. Larry Tyler & Family
807 Underwood Street, NW
Washington, DC 20012

31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:


We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother John Brown, the brother-in-law of the Rev. D. Albert Turk, pastor of Emanuel AMEC (New York Conference, Manhattan District) and the brother of the first lady of Emanuel, Mrs. Patricia Turk. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Homegoing Service - Wednesday, January 11, 2012:
10:00 a.m. - Viewing
11:00 a.m. - Home Going Service

Greenidge Funeral Home
301 Absecon Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: 609-345-6305
Fax: 609-345-9088

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. D. Albert and Mrs. Patricia Turk
129 Meadow Lane
Marlton, NJ 08053


32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Cecile Frances Custard, the mother of Mrs. Johnnita F. Holman, the spouse of Pastor A. J. Holman, Sr., Bethel AME Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sister Custard was an active member of the Macedonia Baptist Church, Cynthiana, Kentucky.

Please note the following arrangements for Sister Cecile Frances Custard:

Friday, January 13, 2012
Family Hour: 4:00 PM
Visitation from 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Macedonia Baptist Church
103 East Pearl Street
Cynthiana, KY 41031
Phone: 859-234-8373

Saturday, January 14, 2012
A Celebration of Life: 1:00 PM
Macedonia Baptist Church
103 East Pearl Street
Cynthiana, KY 41031

Messages of condolence may be sent to:

Mrs. Johnnita F. Holman
5415 Winniespann Road
Chattanooga, TN 37416

Email condolences may be sent to: johnnitasbouncinbears@yahoo.com 


33. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Cecil E. Brannon, eldest son of Presiding Elder Eugene Brannon (Little Rock District, Arkansas Annual Conference). Mr. Brannon was an active and committed member of Miles Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Please note the following arrangements:

The Family hour was held on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.

A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Miles Memorial CME Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family via:

Presiding Elder and Mrs. Eugene Brannon and family
1104 Giles Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
(501.663.9625 or 501.554.9699)

34. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Sister Sadie L. Eldridge, the grandmother of Darwin K. Eldridge, Treasurer, Connectional Lay Organization, African Methodist Episcopal Church

I solicit your prayers in the passing of my grandmother, Sadie L. Eldridge of Woodlawn, Tennessee. She passed Monday, January 2, 2012 at the age of 95.

The funeral was held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Woodlawn, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

Saint Paul AME Church Building Fund
P.O. Box 225
Woodlawn, TN 37191

Or,

The African Methodist Episcopal Church Endowment
C/o The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
P.O. Box 440225
Nashville, TN 37244-0225

35. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:


We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Hattie Selena Brumfield, the mother of the Reverend Rochelle M. Brumfield, pastor of Pipkins Chapel AME Church, Greensburg, Louisiana.

Service arrangements for Mrs. Hattie Selena Brumfield:

Viewing: Friday, January 6, 2012 from 3:00 -7:00 PM
Crain & Sons Funeral Home
2000 Washington Street
Franklinton, Louisiana 70438
Phone: (985) 839-5188

Funeral Service: Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 2:00 PM
Crystal Springs AME Church
23308 Crystal Springs Road /P. O. Box 159
Mount Hermon, Louisiana 70450
Phone: 985-839-5649
The Rev. Ranches L. Hall ~ Pastor, Officiating


Internment Crystal Springs Cemetery
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Rochelle M. Brumfield
37770 Thomas Cryer Road
Mount Hermon, Louisiana 70450-3126

Phone: 985-839-6144

Or Expressions of sympathy may be placed online @


36. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

In sorrow we record the death of Mrs. Albertine (Abbe) Ramseur Foster on Tuesday, December 27, 2011. Mrs. Foster was the mother of Dr. Marsha Foster Boyd, President of Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. Mrs. Foster was a native of Cleveland County, North Carolina, an educator for 22 years in the Philadelphia (Penna. public schools, and the widow of Dr. Marcus A. Foster, former Superintendent of the Oakland (CA) Unified School District, who was assassinated by the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1973. Dr Boyd is an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church, a member of the Michigan Annual Conference, and a member of St Andrew AME Church in Detroit where her husband, Rev Kenneth Boyd serves as pastor.

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Foster was held on Thursday, January 12, 2012, at Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church, 1188 - 12th Street, Oakland California. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that contributions be made to Ecumenical Theological Seminary, 2930 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 in memory of Albertine Foster.

Contact Information:

The Rev. Marsha Foster Boyd, PhD, President
Ecumenical Theological Seminary
2930 Woodward Avenue
Detroit MI 48201-3035
313-831-5200, Extension 209


37. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:


It is with deep and heartfelt sympathy to the Rev. William Charles Legolie II and family that we share the passing of his eldest sister Elizabeth Magrieta Legolie;  the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Wesley Andrew Legolie I.

We pray that the Holy Spirit will indeed be the Comforter that we have come to know, as the cold hand of death visits the Legolie family once again within a span of a couple of days.

Please keep the family in your prayers during this, their time of challenge.

Contact information for expressing sympathy to the Legolie family:

The Rev. William Charles Legolie II - Phone: 083-260-6879


38. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Death Announcement of Dr. Louise C. Wilson York, 14th Episcopal District

Dr. Louise C. Wilson York departed this life peacefully 11:45 pm on December 23, 2011 at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia.

Dr. York, a member of the AME Church all her life, faithfully served the church in numerous capacities both locally and globally including the following:

- 23 years as President of Monrovia College and Industrial Training School;

- First President of AME University served nine years;

- Past Episcopal President WMS of the 14th Episcopal District;

- Life member of the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church;

- Former Vice-Chair of the Steward Board and Member of Eliza Turner Memorial AME Church serving as Steward Emeritus.

The family can be visited at Dr. York's home in Congo Town or contacted by phone # 0886516114 or email address: miraclecoop@yahoo.com; the Rev. Katurah York Cooper, daughter.


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