THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (3/1/12)

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

March – Women’s History Month

Easter Sunday – April 8, 2012

1.  EDITORIAL –FOR PASTORS ONLY – “BE CAREFUL!”:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,

The 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

This editorial is for pastors -

When I was growing up and going out for an evening with my friends, my mother, with all of the other advice, would often add, “Be careful.” Like a lot of teenagers after hearing that warning time and again, I got a little resentful because my mother added the statement, "Be careful” almost every time I went out.  Often my exasperated response was, "Yes, Mother; I will.”

As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate the significance of her advice to “be careful.” As our children were growing up, I gave the same caution to them over and over again, to “be careful”; especially after they started driving. And oftentimes their exasperated response to me was the same response I gave to my mother, “Yes Dad, I will!”

Thinking about it now, when I entered the ministry some of the old preachers gave me and those who were entering the ministry with me the same caution that my mother gave me.

Put a little differently, but it was the same message

When the old preachers gave advice or warnings about pastoral relationships, I and my fellow ministerial candidates were cautioned to be careful in our relationships with the opposite sex and to never get ourselves in the position of letting our “good could be evil spoken of,” which I took that to mean that we had to be diligent in ministerial relationships.

Even the most experienced pastors

Last week a Nashville Tennessee television station reported that a leading pastor in Nashville was being accused of sexual misconduct that happened during pastoral counseling sessions.  Each time the news was updated on television, the details of the story seem to get worse with the report that more women had come forward.

During the Sunday worship service after the allegations surfaced, one television station showed the pastor and his wife appearing before the church to deny any wrongdoing.

The case essentially boils down to, “the women said and the pastor says.”  At some point, the facts will be sorted out. Guilty or not guilty, this saga is a reminder to clergy that pastors have to “be careful.”

The damage is done

I was speaking with Dr. Johnny Barbour, Secretary-Treasurer of the AMEC Sunday School Union and we both agreed that the sad thing about any case involving allegations of sexual misconduct; whether the pastor or anyone accused of sexual indiscretions is innocent or guilty; the damage is already done when allegations are made.  There will always be those persons who will believe that the sexual indiscretion occurred.

A different world

The world has changed a lot since I came into the ministry. In the “old school” ministry, generally, pastors could move around from home to home; make pastoral calls early in the morning, in the middle of the day, late at night and “the old school” pastors did not have to worry about lawsuits.

“The old school pastors” had to be careful about not letting their “good be evil spoken of” and their biggest concern was rumors, and fending off gossip; not lawsuits. Of course rumors could be damaging to a pastor’s ministry and pastors had to “be careful.” The difference between “the old school” and the “new school” is that in the “old days” rumors or gossip too a while to get “out there.”  Today, with technology, rumors and gossip are instantaneous. 

Steps can be taken

When I served in the Army chaplaincy the issue of pastoral counseling and being careful became an issue that the Army had to address. The decision was made that chaplains and other counselors had to configure their offices so that doors had windows and the office configured so people passing by could see the chaplain or counselor, but not see the person or persons he or she was counseling. The other option was that doors without windows had to remain slightly ajar and persons walking by could see the chaplain or counselor, but not the person or persons being counseled. Those changes were inconvenient, but they were necessary steps of being careful.

Most of us are not…

I suspect that most clergy, and most AME clergy, and I can speak for myself, are not qualified to be counselors in the full sense of the word, because the couple of counseling courses we may have taken in seminary, in no way, qualifies us to be family and marriage counselors. Professional counselors have to be constantly updated, continued to be trained, certified and recertified.

Untrained or undertrained pastors attempting to be do counseling in today’s litigious environment are not being careful; they are opening themselves up to being sued or having their ministry compromised.

The most prudent thing for a pastor to do when confronted with the option of counseling a couple or an individual is to refer them to a trained professional counselor; unless the issue is about strictly spiritual or biblical.  If a spiritual issue seems to be evolving into personal issues, refer the individual or couple to a professional counselor.

Counseling, done right, is a fulltime gig

One of the first things a counselor needs to know is he, himself or herself and to know their own qualifications and limitations. Counseling is more than a conversation.

Certified counselors, to include marriage and family counselors, substance abuse counselors and pastoral counselors have, as a minimum, a master's level degree in counseling. And, after earning their academic degrees, counselors have to apply for certification and licensure. 

Academic degree programs in counseling require, psychology, human development, sociology, learning, and social change and students must develop the basic skills in therapy and assessment and become familiar with the legal and clinical considerations confronting practitioners. Students have to master the skills of counseling.  Academic courses include family systems, foundation of marriage and family therapy, family therapy, sexual counseling/therapy, life span development, psychopathology, research design and statistics, ethics & mental health, courses in domestic violence, counseling theory and methods and intensive supervised internships.

Be Careful

There are some precautions that pastors need to take and signals they need to be aware of when they consider counseling as an option:

Are you qualified to be a counselor?  Do you have malpractice insurance if something goes wrong or someone accuses of misconduct? Do you have the time to be a counselor?  If you were taken to court would your credentials stand up in the court of law?

The counseling area needs to be conducive to counseling.  Would you want to go into your doctor or your lawyer’s office if it looked like your study / office? The counseling area needs to look professional and to be an area that is conducive to counseling sessions.

Is the person or persons requesting counseling your friend(s) or family? If so, you need to refer your friend(s) to an impartial counselor.  As a protocol, counselors do not provide counseling for their family and friends. Physicians, as a practice, do not provide medical treatment for their family members.

Is the person or persons requesting counseling on your staff? Do you supervise or manage them?  You should not comingle counseling and supervision. If you are a supervisor or manager, refer that person(s) to another counselor.  As a practice, counselors do not provide counseling for persons they supervise or manage.

Be wary of a potential counselee who wants to meet after-hours when other staff members have gone home; or a counselee who wants to meet in his or her home.  Counseling is a professional service and counselors should avoid restaurant, parking-lot, in-home, and in-vehicle counseling. Counseling should be done in the area set aside for counseling. It is also unwise to wind up counseling by taking the counselee to dinner or driving them home.

If you decide to consider counseling as an option and the potential counselee greets you with a hug or “holy kiss,” refer that person to a professional counselor.  Intimacy and counseling are not appropriate in the counseling setting, no matter how innocent the hug or “holy kiss.”

If a potential counselee reminds you of someone you liked or disliked, refer them to a professional counselor.  Counselors need to be impartial. It can be very easy for a counselor to become enmeshed with a counselee, especially if the counselee reminds the counselor of someone he or she liked. The same is true for counselees who remind the counselor of someone he or she disliked; don’t try to counsel them, no matter how fair you might think you are.

Always maintain a professional relationship with counselees. In some instances, “Familiarity does breed contempt.”  Intimacy or the appearance of intimacy; or the perception of intimacy has ruined ministerial careers.

Pastors are in a Godly profession, but there are pitfalls and Satan is not dead. The pitfalls are just as real for female clergy as well as male clergy.

Men and women clergy need to be careful and as the old preachers use to tell the young preachers, “Don’t let your good be evil spoken of!”

“Be Careful!”

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

- To the Editor:

RE: TCR News Break: Long-time AME member, Mr. Columbus Holmes among the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Honoring Unsung Heroes during Black History Month.  See #3 below.

This is terrific news about Brother Holmes!  I'm proud to know the White House will honor him for his lifelong work and dedication. Perhaps one day Mound Bayou, if they haven't done so already, will have a Columbus Holmes Day. 

Many Thanks for sharing this inspiring news.

Bill Dickens

- To the Editor:

RE: TCR Breaking News:  Pastor of St. James AME Church, Newark, New Jersey stands with Whigham Funeral Home's denial of release of Whitney Houston photos to National Enquirer. See #5 below.

I never for one minute thought the funeral home personnel were responsible for the photos.  Rev. Slaughter's article is right on point!  Whitney Houston's death has become a three ring circus for those persons that find pleasure in another person's misery; it certainly does not exhibit any of the fruits of the spirit that we are to have toward one another.

Ms. Barbara Ransom

- To the Editor:

TCR Editorial – “Get Over it”

I just read your editorial, "Get Over It" in the print edition of The Christian Recorder.  Thank you for your boldness in addressing an ongoing issue in our Zion.  I am in my 32^nd year of ministry and still amazed at some of the attitudes toward women in ministry.  My daughter is an ordained elder and a chaplain in the Navy.  I am hopeful that she will be able to serve our Zion with fewer barriers. 

The Reverend Barrett

3. LONG-TIME AME MEMBER, MR. COLUMBUS HOLMES AMONG PERSONS HONORED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA:

Posted by Joshua Dubois on February 28, 2012 at 10:28 AM EST

Long-time AME member, Mr. Columbus Holmes among the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Honoring Unsung Heroes during Black History Month

Please access the link to view the blog and the video-clip:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/02/28/honoring-unsung-heroes-during-black-history-month

During Black History Month, we pause to salute and reflect on the contributions African Americans have made to the rich fabric that makes up the United States. There are many untold stories that reveal the best of Americans who stepped up when duty called, broke color barriers, or quietly made their communities better one person at a time.

In tribute, President Obama recently invited six special senior citizens to visit the White House to honor as unsung heroes. These unsung heroes are individuals who strengthen their communities through extraordinary everyday acts of service done with reliability and commitment, but who seldom receive recognition. 

Among those who visited with President Obama were pioneers in the struggle for racial equality, educators who changed their communities through the classroom, and people who believe that a lifetime serving others is a life well spent.

The honorees were:

Theodore Peters, one of the first African Americans to enter the U.S. Marines and train at Montford Point, NC, after the corps desegregation and a community leader in his South Side Chicago neighborhood. 

Gladys Reid, a Cleveland, OH, volunteer who feeds the hungry twice a week and volunteers at local hospitals, often caring for patients who are 20 years her junior. 

Velma Lois Jones, the first black classroom teacher elected to serve as president of the Tennessee Education Association and a local leader in the areas of civil rights, politics, community service, and education.

Columbus Preston Holmes,  a former class valedictorian, World War II veteran, postmaster, sports commissioner, Selective Service board member, community leader, and active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Mound Bayou, MS, since joining the church 84 years ago.

James “Alley Pat” Patrick, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, radio and television broadcaster, and Atlanta bail bondsman who came to the aid of many jailed activists during the Civil Rights movement, including Martin Luther King Jr. 

Marguirette Levere, a church missionary, volunteer, adviser, and role model to her rural Maryland community – roles she filled while tending to daughter Barbara, who has cerebral palsy and has been severely disabled since her birth 77 years ago. Remarkably, Marguirette doesn’t wear glasses or take any medicines at the age of 106.

Stories of African Americans like these honorees do not have a singular narrative, but most contain common threads of resilience and perseverance. These Americans are shining examples of a legacy that keeps our nation strong and makes our country great.

Learn more about these amazing individuals: “Salute to Unsung Heroes” - http://www.theroot.com/views/features/roots-salute-unsung-heroes

Editor’s Note: Mr. Columbus Holmes of Mound Bayou, MS was one of the seniors featured in the White House Black History Month tribute.  Dr. Paulette Coleman said, “Mr. Columbus Holmes is an active lay member of Bethel AME Church in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. What a wonderful tribute.”

4. THE CELEBRATION OF 50-YEARS IN ORDAINED MINISTRY FOR BISHOP T. LARRY KIRKLAND:

During the 5^th Episcopal District Mid Year Conference in March 2012, the 5^th Episcopal District invites you to be a part of the celebration of 50-Years in Ordained Ministry for Bishop T. Larry Kirkland.

The celebration of thanksgiving will include an evening worship service and reception during which the community, friends and family.  The event will be held on Wednesday, March 14^th at the LAX Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.  

Not only will the 5^th District join in the thanksgiving with Bishop Kirkland, but our Bishop has encouraged each member to give thanks for each of their ministries by wearing their ministry garb as we all thank God for every ministry that we have been called to serve.

Bishop and Mrs. Kirkland are prayerful that anyone whose life they have touched or whose life has touched theirs will be a part of this celebration. The Fifth District joins with our Episcopal leaders in that same hope!

5. PASTOR OF ST. JAMES AME CHURCH, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY STANDS WITH WHIGHAM FUNERAL HOME’S DENIAL OF RELEASE OF WHITNEY HOUSTON PHOTOS TO NATIONAL ENQUIRER:

TCR Editor’s Note: Appended below is the press release that the Rev. Ronald Slaughter read to the local and national news media this morning (3/1/12).  The press conference was held this morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Whigham Funeral Home where the body of the late Whitney Houston was prepared for burial. The Press Conference will air locally in New Jersey today. The press conference will air nationally on the Inside Edition tomorrow night. The Rev. Ronald Slaughter said, “Please keep the funeral home in prayer as they deal with these senseless attacks...”  

Statement of the Rev. Ronald Slaughter - Support of Whigham Funeral Home - Thursday, March 1, 2012

I stand today with my colleagues in expressing our confidence and support of the Whigham Funeral Home against false and unsubstantiated rumors regarding photos of the late Whitney Houston being provided to the National Enquirer and other news outlets.  Ms. Carolyn Whigham is a member of the St. James AME Church congregation, which I serve as pastor. While I have been here almost a year, I have seen on numerous occasions the professionalism and excellent care and service this establishment has provided to families who have lost loved ones. Even more, I have heard from colleagues, some of them here today about the professionalism, integrity and confidence they have in the Whigham Funeral Home based on the numerous times this funeral home has worked with them. And let’s be very clear, this is not the first time the Whigham Funeral Home has had to handle arrangements for a celebrity or person of note. This is because of the quality of service and confidence which this funeral home has earned over many years.

       

It is unfair and expedient to cast blame without one proof of evidence on the staff of the Whigham Funeral Home, especially when there are those who know who arranged for the National Enquirer to get this picture. Even in the justice system of our country, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  There are those who know with certainty that it was not the Whigham Funeral Home. We call upon them to make it clear that Whigham Funeral Home is not responsible, if they choose not to reveal who did it, that is on them, but we repeat, there are those who know who arranged for the National Enquirer to get the picture on the front page of the tabloid.  Think clearly for one minute, Whigham Funeral Home had the body of Whitney Houston all week long and could have taken many photos and released them before the funeral.  They could have also taken a much better photo than that from the hip position that is seen in the National Enquirer.

The Whigham Funeral Home has been threatened, received vicious and hateful emails and other terrible acts, based on these baseless rumors, but we want the citizens of Newark Metropolitan area and beyond to know that the Whigham Funeral Home is not responsible and had no role in this shameful betrayal. Whigham Funeral Home has had a long and spotless record in this city and Essex County for many years; it is a reputation they have justifiably earned. Carolyn Whigham and her staff went to great length to provide care and security for the body of Whitney Houston, her body was never left unguarded from the time it arrived in Newark. There was nothing that could have been done, that Whigham Funeral Home did not do, to protect the body of Whitney Houston and to meet the request and expectations of the Houston Family.  The Houston Family has not stated at any time that Whigham Funeral Home was responsible for the release of the photo.

We stand with Carolyn Whigham and the Whigham Funeral Home and call upon everyone to end the rumor and unfair actions which have been directed at this funeral home which has served so many so well for so many years.  Although the Houston Family has stopped the investigation, the funeral home will continue their own investigation which so far, has narrowed the person responsible for the release of the photo to one individual.  That individual is not a part of the staff of Whigham Funeral Home.

6. ANNOUNCING YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP SUMMER 2012:

We are once again hosting a Young Adult Fellowship program for emerging professionals (age 22-40) who are interesting in deepening their work on eco-justice ministries. The retreat will be held this summer at Port Isobel on the Chesapeake Bay. All travel, food, and lodging expenses for participants will be covered.

For more information on the fellowship and for application information, visit: http://nccecojustice.org/youngadults/

Deadline for application: April 10, 2012

Please forward to anyone you think would be interested in applying.

Cassandra Carmichael

Director, Washington Office and Eco-Justice Programs

National Council of Churches

110 Maryland Avenue, Suite 108

Washington, DC 20002

Editor’s Note: Hope some young adults will apply.

7. THE REVEREND DR. DENNIS C. DICKERSON WILL SPEAK AT THE WESLEYAN THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY AT TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY:

The Reverend Dennis C. Dickerson, M.Div., Ph.D., Historiographer/Executive Director of the Department of Research & Scholarship and the James M. Lawson, Jr. Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, will speak at the Wesleyan Theological Society on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is a part of a panel on Race and Methodism. Also appearing on panel with Dr. Dickerson are Dr. Morris Davis of Drew University, Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, Department of Christian Education in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; Dr. Jennifer L. Woodruff Tait of United Theological Seminary; and the moderator, the Reverend Andrew J. Wood of United Theological Seminary.

Dr. Dickerson, a well known Wesleyan scholar, most recently published African Methodism and its Wesleyan Heritage (2009).

He is a candidate for the episcopacy at the 2012 General Conference.

Remember The Dickerson Difference!

What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion? Judges 14:18 See www.dickersondifference.com

Hundreds of civil rights leaders and activists will convene in Selma, Alabama this Sunday to reenact the “Bloody Sunday” Bridge Crossing

**NAACP Press Release

8. NAACP PRESIDENT BENJAMIN JEALOUS TO PARTICIPATE IN “BLOODY SUNDAY” BRIDGE CROSSING REENACTMENT IN SELMA, ALABAMA

Jealous, Labor Leader William Lucy and other Leaders and Activists to March and Rally at the Historic Edmund Pettus Bridge

WHO:             

Benjamin Todd Jealous,  NAACP President and CEO; William Lucy, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists President and member of the NAACP National Board of Directors; Bernard Simelton, NAACP Alabama State Conference President; and thousands of civil rights leaders and activists.

WHAT:          

Hundreds of civil rights leaders and activists will convene in Selma, Alabama to reenact the “Bloody Sunday” Bridge Crossing.  Marches will cross then rally at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where, in 1965, hundreds of activists were attacked by police for their protests for voting rights.   NAACP President Jealous, CBTU President Lucy, and other civil, human, and labor rights leaders are scheduled to make remarks.

WHERE:        

Edmund Pettus Bridge

Selma, Alabama

WHEN:          

Sunday, March 4^th

Pre-March Rally Event @ 1:30pm

Edmund Pettus Bridge Crossing @ 2:30pm

Rally & Remarks at foot of Edmund Pettus Bridge @ 3:30pm

*President Jealous and other NAACP officials will be available for interviews on this topic on Sunday, March 4th and Monday, March 5th.  To request an interview email: dturner@naacpnet.org

           

###

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors

9. DR. GEORGE FLOWERS WILL JOIN A 100 MILES HUNGER CROP WALK IN BURBANK, CALIFORNIA:  

Dr. George Flowers will be joining a 100 miles Hunger Crop Walk starting in Burbank, California  with our partner, Church World Service beginning Friday, March 9th (100 miles in 7 days).  Dr. Flowers said, “I will only participate in the first 25 miles walk and would like to invite AME congregations/pastors from Los Angeles, Burbank and other area communities to join me and let's give visibility to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Even if you can't walk far...cheer us on! “

Hunger Crop Walks are nothing new for CWS this time of the year when thousands of young people joined by 27 communions/denominations.  Hunger is a real problem worldwide. 

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

10. JOINT LETTER TO GOVERNORS RE PRISON PRIVITIZATION:

The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a signatory

Dear Governor:

We the undersigned faith organizations represent different traditions from across the religious and political spectrum. Our organizations advocate for a criminal justice system that brings healing for victims of crime, restoration for those who commit crimes, and to maintain public safety.

We write in reference to a letter you recently received from Harley Lappin, Chief Corrections Officer at Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), announcing the Corrections Investment Initiative – the corporation’s plan to spend up to $250 million buying prisons from state, local, and federal government entities, and then managing the facilities. The letter from Mr. Lappin states that CCA is only interested in buying prisons if the state selling the prison agrees to pay CCA to operate the prison for 20 years – at minimum. Mr. Lappin further notes that any prison to be sold must have at least 1,000 beds, and that the state must agree to keep the prison at least 90% full during the length of the contract.

The undersigned faith organizations urge you to decline this dangerous and costly invitation.

CCA’s initiative would be costly to taxpayers in your state. CCA would be buying not only a physical structure but a guarantee that your state will fill a large prison and continuously pay the corporation taxpayer money to operate the institution for at least two decades. Your state will incur long-term costs associated with increasing incarceration rates, while CCA’s profits will only continue to increase as well.

CCA’s initiative would be costly to the moral strength of your state. The requirement to ensure that the prison remains 90% full for at least two decades would pose a tremendous obstacle to more cost-effective criminal justice policies. The United States imprisons far more people than any other nation in the world. The millions of people who are directly impacted by this explosive rate of incarceration included families and communities of the incarcerated. Families and communities can be strengthened through evidence-based alternatives to incarceration and reentry policies that quicken the reintegration of those coming out of prison into their home communities.

The current incarceration rate has been spurred over the last four decades by criminal laws that impose steep sentences. Mass incarceration deprives record numbers of individuals of their liberty, disproportionately affects people of color, and has not had the impact on public safety that equals the financial and moral costs that are being paid. In addition, the crippling cost of imprisoning increasing numbers of people burdens government budgets with rising debt and only exacerbates the current fiscal crisis confronting states across the nation. 

Despite the increasing costs to states and the nation as a whole that results from mass incarceration, CCA continues to reap enormous profits. We believe the profits CCA receives are not worth the costs paid by the states and by the people who will be incarcerated and their families who will be impacted by the requirement to keep prisons filled rather than the greater need for the criminal justice system to truly be just and fair.

We urge you to reject the initiative sent to you from CCA. Criminal justice policies do not need to rely on the privatization of correctional services, but rather, should be evidence-based policies and practices that are proven to reduce recidivism and can lead to a reduction in the prison population. Mr. Lappin’s proposal is an invitation to deepening state debt, increased costs to people of color who are disproportionately impacted by mass incarceration as well as their families and communities, and decreased public safety.

Sincerely,

African American Ministers in Action

African American Ministers Leadership Council

African Methodist Episcopal Church – Social Action Commission

American Baptist Home Mission Societies

American Friends Service Committee

Church of the Brethren

Disciples Home Missions-Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada

Disciples Justice Action Network

Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, NY

Franciscan Action Network

Friends Committee on National Legislation

Healing Communities

Holy Family Institute

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, USA – JPIC

Irish Apostolate USA

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers

Mennonite Central Committee, U.S. Washington Office

Muslim Public Affairs Council

National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd

National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, OSF

NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby

Office of Peace and Justice, Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters

PICO National Network

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness

Social Justice Committee, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, KS

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, NJ

The Episcopal Church

Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment

Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

United Church of Christ/Justice and Witness Ministries

United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society

*Submitted by Mrs. Jacqueline Dupont Walker, Coordinator for the AMEC Social Action Commission. 

11. BELIEVE INC. HOSTS PLATINUM GOLD TOURNAMENT AT OPRYLAND LINKS GOLF COURSE:

Dr Phyllis Qualls Brooks

Nashville, TN.  The 2012 Platinum Golf Tournament sponsored by Believe Inc. will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the PGA Course Gaylord Spring Golf Links in Nashville, Tennessee. Believe Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the 13^th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

 “This year’s tournament will be the capstone of the four tournaments held every year since 2009,” said Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13^th District. “The community has supported in a magnificent way in the past. This has helped us to provide nearly $200,000 to local churches to start or expand community service endeavors,” she stated.

Funds from the event will provide scholarships for students studying theology. Believe also provides support for small and rural churches in Tennessee and Kentucky, which make up the 13^th Episcopal District.

Golfers may sign up as a team of four or individuals and will be placed on a team. Tee time is 7 a.m. Golf hole sponsorships are available to promote businesses or organizations.

The tournament is part of the four-year plan that opens the 49^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  The inaugural tournament was held in 2009 and the Platinum competition completes the four-year series.

“We have built a strong following during the past three years, and this year we will continue to have fun, fellowship and support a worthy cause,” said Joe Turner, Chairman of the Believe Board and Chief Tournament Coordinator.  “To ensure your spot in the tournament, register now,” said Turner.

Last year’s winners of the Gold Tournament were Dr. Darryl Ingram, Reverends George Johnson, Jr. Leo Griffin and Raymond Bryant.  Second Place winners were, David Jackson, Chris Alexander, Danny White and Josh Wilson.

For information on the Platinum Tournament, visit the website at www.believe.org.  Registration information and the Platinum Tournament are also available online.  Contact Joe Turner at 615.957.5819.

12. SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Ms. Marjorie Bias

During this Black History Month, someone you should know……

Sister Julie Hagwood is a long-time member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church in the North Chicago Suburb of Evanston, Illinois under the leadership of Pastor H. Barnwell. She is a life member of the Missionary Society for which she loves for over 45 years, a church missionary, volunteer, advisor, role model, and evangelist.

She spends her days visiting the sick and shut-in; transporting them to doctors’ appointments and hospital outpatient procedures. She delivers “meals on wheels” and prepares home-cooked meals for the local battered/homeless women’s shelter.

Along with all of the things she does, she teaches a weekly Bible class in a senior building, does fundraising for Orchard Village which is an origination providing housing and transportation for the physically challenged.

When asked or needed, she has travelled to South and West Africa, Jamaica and Honduras on missionary trips to spiritually feed and cloth the disenfranchised.

Along with this, she cares for her son, Byron, who is and has been physically and mentally challenged since birth. Her motto for living is unforeseen provisions!

13. THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS SEEKING PARTNERSHIPS:

-- April 15, 2012 Deadline --

Youth Achievers USA Institute (YouthUSA), a national 501c3 Public Charity, seeks to partner with local churches on a national economic security project.

The project identifies local youth of the church as prospective “community assets” where they live, learn, work and worship. 

A capacity-building process, established in 1996 as THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, promotes faith principals (Proverbs 9:1, Matthew 6:33, Mark 9:23, Hebrews 11:1) as American values.

The annual deadline for The Annual Youth Achievement Awards is April 15.  American citizens age 7-24 qualify.  

For Details about The Annual Youth Achievement: www.YouthUSA.net

Click Here to view Blog site:  http://blog.theenterprize.com/2012/02/why-christians-fear-liberation-theology.html 

About TheEnterpriZe blog site: TheEnterpriZe blog site focuses on job creation under seven functional areas of the AMEC Mission Statement. It is a structured LLC in incubation as a replicable revenue-generating strategy of our independent 501c3 public charity.

April 15, 2012 Deadline

14. THE 8^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT DELEGATES AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO THE 49^TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE 2012 GENERAL CONFERENCE:

MINISTERIAL DELEGATES

The Rev. Samuel H. Boyd, Sr. (Delegation Leader)

The Rev. Joseph E. Young

The Rev. J. W. Hilton

The Rev. Birdon Mitchell, Jr.

The Rev. Denise Lane

The Rev. George Willis Tyler

The Rev. Andrew Stamps

The Rev. Artimise Clemons

The Rev. William Love

Alternate Delegate (Ministerial)

The Rev. Jerry James (1^st Alternate)

The Rev. Carolyn Claiborne (2^nd Alternate)

The Rev. Anita Spencer (3^rd Alternate)

The Rev. E. Charles Cotton (4^th Alternate)

The Rev. Charles Bartley (5^th Alternate)

The Rev. Jerome E. Posey, Sr. (6^th Alternate)

The Rev. Lorenzo Neal (7^th Alternate)

The Rev. Donnell Allen (8^th Alternate)

The Rev. Willie Washington (9^th Alternate)

Lay Delegates

Dr. Alice Gill (Lay Delegation Leader)

Stephanie Burks

Clementeen Youngblood

Oka Howard

Ouida Pittman

Sherry Pickens

Eloria James

Patricia Sterling

Lay Alternate (Delegates)

Genora Newell (1^st Alternate)

Sadie Walls (2^nd Alternate)

Terri Micou-Smith (3^rd Alternate)

Genolia Houston (4^th Alternate)

Gwen Rogers (5^th Alternate)

Mildred Brown (6^th Alternate)

Leona Stallworth (7^th Alternate)

Christine McGilberry (8^th Alternate)

YOUTH DELEGATE

Samantha Walton

QUADRENNIAL DELEGATES (NORTH MS)

MINISTERIAL DELEGATES

The Rev. Glenell Lee-Pruitt (1^st Elected)

The Rev. John L. Moore, Jr.

The Rev. William Hardiman, Jr.

The Rev. Ray Jackson

The Rev. Moses Simms

The Rev. Archie Smith

The Rev. Larry Story

Alternate Delegates (Ministerial)

The Rev. Jeffrey Williams (1^st Alternate)

The Rev. Walter Wilson

The Rev. Leoda Topps

The Rev. Horace McKay

The Rev. Michael Martin

The Rev. Johnny Johnson, Sr.

The Rev. Ruby Davidson

Lay Delegates

Johnny Dumas, Jr. (1^st Elected)

Arthurine Williams

Beatrice Peace

Eddie Charles Brown

Susan Burton

JoEtta McClain

Lay Alternate Delegates

Connie Brothers (1^st Alternate)

Melvin Pitts

James Otis Watson

Lisa Weathers

Anita Fitzgerald

Mary Kenerson

YOUTH DELEGATE

April Lodge

YOUTH ALTERNATE

Jamarquis Amos

QUADRENNIAL DELEGATES (LOUISIANA CONFERENCE)

MINISTERIAL DELEGATES

The Rev. Otis Lewis (1^st Elected)

The Rev. Thomas B. Brown

The Rev. David J. Campbell, Jr.

The Rev. John K. Holiday

The Rev.  Margaret Simms

The Rev. Lester Shaw

The Rev. Herman Kelly

The Rev. Mack Hurst

The Rev. Douglas Taylor

The Rev. Otto Duncan

The Rev. Carolyn Habersham

The Rev. Leona Fisher

Alternate Delegate (Ministerial)

The Rev. Kerry James (1^st Elected)

The Rev. Herbert Spears

The Rev. Joe Chaney

The Rev. Cory Watts

The Rev. Troy Grimes

The Rev. John Perry

The Rev. Celestan Vaughn

Lay Delegates

Patricia Campbell – (1^st Elected)

Darlene Gordon

Brenda Taylor

Yvette Gordon

John Autry

Douglas Cyprian

Carolyn Gibson

Rhea Hollins

Sylvia McCray

Shelia Robinson

Larry Johnson

QUADRENNIAL DELEGATES (LOUISIANA CONFERENCE)

Lay Alternate (Delegates)

Allen Williams, Sr.

Quincy Walker

Earline Blackmore

Matthew Pitts

Mable Davis

Crystal Tate

Alise Ware

Rodney Brown

Laurene B. McMillan

YOUTH DELEGATE

Leslie Carter

YOUTH ALTERNATE

Dewayne Dyson

QUADRENNIAL DELEGATES (CENTRAL NORTH LOUISIANA) CONFERENCE:

MINISTERIAL DELEGATES

The Rev. Michele Goodloe (1^st Elected)

The Rev. Demetrese Phillips

The Rev. Lloyd Washington

The Rev. Richard Starks

The Rev. Maurice Wright

The Rev. Sylvester Marshall

The Rev. Nettie Ranel

Alternate Delegate (Ministerial)

The Rev. Anthony Mills

The Rev. Kecia Lewis

The Rev. Regina Robinson

The Rev. Gwendolyn Snearl

The Rev. Richelle Castine

The Rev. Jiovonte’ Watkins

The Rev. Lydell Scott

Lay Delegates

Elna Huel – (1^st Elected)

Virginia Lampkins

Martha Boone

Raymond Morrison

Delphine Bridgewater

Robin Tyson

Lay Alternate (Delegates)

Ben Johnson – (1^st Alternate)

Rhalanda Jackson

Martisa Henderson

John Armstead

Ton Brady

Latrecia Campbell

YOUTH DELEGATE

Ritney Castine

YOUTH ALTERNATE

Raven Porter

LAY PRESIDENT

Melvin Davis

Bonner Campbell – Administrator of the School – Dr. Shirley Hopkins-Davis

Bonner Campbell – Dean of the Seminary – Dr. Leoda Topps

15. THE HUMILITY OF AN U.S. ARMY OFFICER:

The Rev. Glenda P. Murray-Kelly

Growing up in Chesapeake, Virginia was quite challenging for Randolph L. Copeland. He is a 1985 graduate of Oscar F. Smith High School, Chesapeake, Virginia, who is affectionately known as “Randy”: or “Walkie.” Being the nephew of a mathematician and professor at Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia and the son to a mathematician in the Chesapeake Public School System had its advantages and disadvantages.   One of those advantages was having a first-hand tutor who was always available to teach.      

Benjamin and Mary Lou Copeland taught and provided discipline to their children at an early age.  Being the oldest child of two other siblings was not easy for Randy.  His dreams and desires found him in a very complex situation appearing distant with periods of isolation and somewhat selfish and mysterious.

Nevertheless, all the Copeland children were taught to be humble, obedient and well-mannered. Most of them were reared at New Mount Olive, African Methodist Episcopal Church in the South Hill area of Chesapeake, Virginia. They all grew up in the admiration of the Lord.

At age 16, he found himself in the Physics Department at Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia with dreams of becoming a Black Scientist.  He traveled extensively around the world to obtain education and knowledge to prove his calling into the field of Science and Engineering.  This led him to study at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia and Alabama A&M, Huntsville Alabama.  While in school he conducted and participated in various scientific researches and traveled extensively to participant in Science Conferences.

At the age of 22, he developed his musical talent at New Mount Olive AME Church and played for the Senior Choir.

“This was an experience for me, I really didn’t know what I was doing, but the church gave me a chance and I am most grateful,” said Copeland.

One year later, in 1992, he served as minister of music for Brown’s AME Church, Smithfield, Virginia.  He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. pledging in 1995 in Alabama.  But later, in life as he crossed lives treadmills, he found himself bouncing around and seeking for direction and focus.

He had to wear a smile while playing for the choir for the funeral services of his mother the Late Mary Lou Copeland on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Union Missionary Baptist Church, Suffolk, Virginia.  The eulogy was preached by the Rev. Ira K. McMillan, pastor, New Mount Olive, AME in Chesapeake, Virginia. Yet, his mother never knew that he was a United States Army Captain.  He never abandoned his faith as an AME   His military dog tag reveals that.

We salute you Captain Randolph L. Copeland, U.S. Army for your ability to carry out the mission of the military oath in humility, truth, integrity, justice and our prayers and support are with you as-well-as keeping the faith.

16. FRANKLIN GRAHAM APOLOGIZES FOR REMARKS ABOUT OBAMA'S CHRISTIAN FAITH:

Written by Mark Barrett

12:21 PM, Feb. 29, 2012  

Evangelist Franklin Graham has apologized for questioning the Christian faith of President Barack Obama.

“I regret any comments I have ever made which may have cast any doubt on the personal faith of our president, Mr. Obama. The president has said he is a Christian and I accept that (and have said so publicly on many occasions),” says the statement.

“I apologize to him and to any I have offended for not better articulating my reason for not supporting him in this election -- for his faith has nothing to do with my consideration of him as a candidate,” the statement says.

Graham drew criticism from remarks on MSNBC last week in which he said he could not “categorically” say that Obama is a Christian.

Despite Obama’s professions of his Christian faith, Graham on the cable TV channel said that Muslims would consider Obama “a son of Islam” because his father was a Muslim.

Among the critics of Graham’s remarks were faith leaders involved with the NAACP.

They issued an open letter saying, “By his statements, Rev. Graham seems to be aligning himself with those who use faith as a weapon of political division. These kinds of comments could have enormous negative effects for America and are especially harmful to the Christian witness.”

Graham said in his statement Tuesday that he disagrees with Obama’s positions on several “moral issues” but noted that the Constitution prohibits any religious test for public office.

“I even reject the idea that we should only vote for a candidate of our own particular faith, for oftentimes that is not an available option,” the statement says.

Following are the complete released statements by Graham and the NAACP.

Franklin Graham's statement

Franklin Graham Response to NAACP Faith Leaders

February 28, 2012

I regret any comments I have ever made which may have cast any doubt on the personal faith of our president, Mr. Obama. The president has said he is a Christian and I accept that (and have said so publicly on many occasions). I apologize to him and to any I have offended for not better articulating my reason for not supporting him in this election—for his faith has nothing to do with my consideration of him as a candidate.

In fact, Article VI of our Constitution strictly prohibits any religious test for public office. I believe we should consider a candidate’s values and competence above anything else when considering whom to support for public office. I even reject the idea that we should only vote for a candidate of our own particular faith, for oftentimes that is not an available option.

My objection to President Obama is built on his policy positions on a number of important moral issues, and not on his religion or faith. For example, I believe his positions on abortion and on traditional marriage are in direct conflict with God’s standards as set forth in Scripture. I have determined I cannot and will not vote for him or any candidate in either party whose policy positions on such critical issues violate biblical truths and standards.

My views here are not biased according to political party or religion. For example, I would support a pro-life Democrat over a pro-choice Republican at any level. I would support a Mormon or a Jew who supported the defense of marriage defined as being between a man and a woman over a Southern Baptist or Presbyterian who did not.

In this election season and challenging economic time I am praying for our country and for those who lead it—for we are commanded in Scripture to do so. I am also praying that our nation will return to the God of our fathers and will look to His Son, Jesus Christ as the only real answer to life’s problems and hurts.

NAACP statement

 

Open Letter from Leaders of Faith Regarding Statements by Franklin Graham

As Christian denominational leaders, pastors, and, most importantly, followers of Jesus Christ; we are greatly troubled by recent attempts by some religious leaders to use faith as a political weapon. We were disturbed and disappointed by statements made by Rev. Franklin Graham during an interview on MSNBC that questioned whether President Obama is a Christian. Rev. Graham also seemed to imply that the President may be a Muslim, despite the fact that the President has repeatedly expressed his faith and belief in Jesus Christ. By his statements, Rev. Graham seems to be aligning himself with those who use faith as a weapon of political division. These kinds of comments could have enormous negative effects for America and are especially harmful to the Christian witness.

Many of us are working around the world now to advance the cause of peace and religious tolerance, and we believe that statements like Rev. Graham’s have potentially dangerous consequences domestically and internationally. The world is looking to America’s faith leaders to help build bridges of understanding and mutual respect, not to further erect barriers of doubt and mistrust. It is unsettling and counter-productive to American values and interests to engage in this kind of misleading rhetoric cloaked in religion that divides our nation and international neighbors over matters of religion and faith.

We can disagree about what it means to be a Christian engaged in politics, but Christians should not bear false witness. We are clear that the teachings of Jesus and the prophets call us in our imperfection to put the most vulnerable among us ahead of our self-interest. The gift of grace we received through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ should remind Christians to enter the arena of public service with a spirit of humility. As Christians we must respond to the forgiveness we received from Jesus by serving our neighbors and protecting the vulnerable and “the least” among us. This is how we as Christians strengthen our walk with Christ and use our faith to build unity.

We are also concerned that Rev. Graham’s comments can be used to encourage racism. We urge him to be mindful of the unprecedented verbal attacks on President Obama based on his race and be careful not to allow his own voice to be used to help drive such hateful words.

As committed Christian servants, we deeply believe that Jesus defined what it means to be a Christian when he gave his disciples a new commandment that they must “love one another.” As Christian witnesses and leaders, Jesus calls us to follow his ethic of love. We call on Rev. Graham and all Christian leaders to exemplify this essential teaching of Jesus and refrain from using Christianity as a weapon of political division.

Sincerely,

- Dr. Carroll Baltimore, President, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
- Dr. Dale Braxton, President, National Convocation of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ
- Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop, AME Church
- The Rev. Ronnie Miller-Yow, Chairperson, Black Methodist for Church Renewal
- Dr. Julius Scruggs, President, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
- Dr. Stephen Thurston, President, National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.
- Bishop George W. C. Walker, Senior Bishop, AME Zion Church
- Bishop Henry Williamson, Eighth Episcopal District CME Church
- Dr. Amos C. Brown, Chair, NAACP Religious Affairs Committee
- Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Member of NAACP Religious Affairs Committee and Pastor Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX
- Bishop Roy A. Holmes, Member of NAACP Religious Affairs Committee and Midwest Episcopal District, AME Zion Church
- Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention
- The Rev. Julius C. Hope, Director, NAACP Religious Affairs Department
- The Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III, Vice President, NAACP Stakeholder Relations

Read More:

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20120229/NEWS01/120229009/Franklin-Graham-apologizes-for-remarks-about-Obama-s-Christian-faith?odyssey=tab%7Cmostpopular%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

17. MID-WEEK MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 46:

**The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I recently received an urgent e-mail from a clergy colleague with an apparent major problem - her purse was stolen while she was in London and she needed me to send her money so that the hotel would release her luggage and she could buy a ticket home.  I sent her a return message declining to help and marveling that she’d traveled to and been robbed in London just four hours after we sat together in a meeting in Charleston!

The message, of course, wasn’t really from my colleague.  She opened what appeared to be a normal e-mail from a familiar source and unwittingly activated a program that “hacked” her e-mail account, copied her address book and sent out phony e-mails in her name. 

That happens easily, even when we’re careful.  I never open strange attachments, click on strange links or respond to “official” but odd looking, strangely worded requests for personal information.  I still sometimes, however, accidentally click on malicious e-mail or go to a web site that opens a strange window that doesn’t want to close. 

That’s why I appreciate the blessing of good internet security software.  My security software runs in the background and is easy to forget, but if I happen to click on something devious or dubious, the software blocks it, stops the malicious process and opens a window that says, “You’re protected.”

Internet security software does for our computers what God can do in our lives.  All of us strive to be comfortable, secure and prosperous and to make the right decisions to go safely through life - very few of us go looking for trouble.  Trouble, however, touches all of us in some way, shape or form sooner or later and can come in ways that we didn’t invite, anticipate or prepare to handle.

When we trust in the Lord, however, we have an Eternal Friend that one Psalmist said is “a very present help in time of trouble.”  God will steady us, protect us and give us needed direction and inspiring assurance that we don’t have to face life alone.  Even when we unintentionally or intentionally mess up and run into trouble, God will be there to pick us up and defend us.

Facing life without God on our side is like going online with no internet security, but when God is with us, we can face life with confidence, knowing that wherever life takes us or whatever life throws at us, God will be there standing in the background and will step up, fix things, and say to us through His grace, mercy and loving kindness, “You’re protected.”

Get Ready for Sunday!

Join us for Worship at 7:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the First Sunday in March, when we’ll also celebrate The Lord’s Supper.  The Eight O’clock Choir will offer praise at 7:45 a.m. and the Combined Choir, Gospel Choir and Morris Brown Mass Choir will offer praise at 11 a.m.

Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:

Isaiah 40:21-31

I Corinthians 1:10-18

John 3:1-16

Sunday’s Sermons are:

7:45 am – “Find Your Power in the Cross”

11 am – “There’s Power in the Cross”

See YOU in church, and have a great week! If you are in Charleston, stop by and be our guest!

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

18. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

- The Reverend Michael W. Waters, Pastor of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, recipient of the Black Alumni History Makers' Award

The Reverend Michael W. Waters, 32, founder and Senior Pastor of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, Texas is the youngest-ever recipient of the Black Alumni of Southern Methodist University's (SMU) History Makers' Award presented Friday, February 17, 2012. Rev. Waters, a two-time, cum laude graduate of SMU is presently completing a doctoral degree at the University.

The author of a highly celebrated Huffington Post blog, the Rev. Waters has recently appeared in interviews with National Public Radio (NPR) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) concerning his writings. A former student body vice-president of SMU and two-time student body president of SMU's Perkins School of Theology, the Rev. Waters is the founder of the SMU Civil Rights Pilgrimage and the coordinator of the 9-11-01 Student Journals that will be housed in the Bush Presidential Library. He was named one of America's top young leaders by Ebony Magazine (April 2009).

The three year-old Joy Tabernacle is one of the fastest-growing AME Churches in the State of Texas. Congratulatory messages may be sent to joytabame@aol.com

Joy Tabernacle AME Church

3203 Holmes Street

Dallas, Texas 75215

Telephone: (214) 565-8975

Email: joytabame@aol.com 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JoyTabJoynt

www.joytabernacleame.org 

- Ms. Charity Battle received the Master of Arts Degree in Medical Science from Boston University

Ms. Charity Battle graduated January 25, 2012 with a Master of Arts degree in Medical Science from Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts. Her thesis topic "Comparing and Contrasting Different Treatment Modalities of Sickle Cell Disease."

She is the daughter of the Rev. Milton and Doris Battle of Clover Garden AME Church in Burlington, North Carolina (2nd Episcopal District).

Congratulatory messages can be sent to:

Charity Battle

1011 Maple Avenue

Apex, NC 27502

Or emailed to: CharityBattle@yahoo.com

19. FORMER GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the death of Frank Antonio Harrison on Sunday, February 26, 2012. He was the son of retired General Officer, the Rev. Dr. Frederick C. Harrison, Former Secretary of Missions 1984-1992, who resides in the 19th Episcopal District.

The Celebration of Life for Frank Antonio Harrison is as follows:

Friday, March 2, 2012

10:00 a.m.

Pilgrim AME Church

612 - 17th Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20002

Church Telephone: (202) 396-8582

The Rev. Wendell O.E. Christopher, Sr., Pastor

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the attention of the daughter of Dr. Frederick C.  Harrison, on staff at Pilgrim AME Church.

The Rev. Karen D. Harrison & Family

C/o Pilgrim AME Church

612 - 17th Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20002

Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to:

The Rev. Dr. Frederick C. Harrison: Harrison@global.co.za

The Rev. Karen D. Harrison, daughter of Dr. Frederick C. Harrison: kharri9515818@aol.com

Contact phone numbers:

The Rev. Dr. Frederick C. Harrison: 011-27123434326

The Rev. Karen D. Harrison: 202-277-5603

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the death of Mrs. Ola Mae Johnson, who transitioned on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Mrs. Johnson is the mother of Chaplain (LTC- Retired), United States Army, James Russell Johnson, Sr.

Service Arrangements for Mrs. Ola Mae Johnson:

Family Visitation:

Friday, March 2, 2012, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Brazzel-Cornish Funeral Home

1196 US Highway 371 W

Prescott, AR 71857

Telephone: 870-887-2644

FAX: 870-887-3188

Funeral Service:

Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 11 a.m.

Green Hill AME Church

2850 County Road 16

Prescott, Arkansas 71857

Burial to follow in Green Hill Cemetery in Prescott, Arkansas.

Flowers may be sent to:

Brazzel-Cornish Funeral Home (address above)

Online Guest Book: http://brazzelfuneralhomes.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1410444&fh_id=11004

Condolences may be emailed to Chaplain Johnson and Family at: chapjohn@att.net

Mailing Address:

The Johnson Family

249 Welton Drive

Madison, AL 35757

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

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

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

BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC

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

22. 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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