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
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
Palm Sunday is this Sunday
Easter Sunday – April 8, 2012
Ascension Day – May 17, 2012
Pentecost – May 27, 2012
-- AMEC Connectional Day of Prayer - April 13TH
--
1. EDITORIAL – FOUR THINGS I WOULD
LIKE TO SEE REMAIN OR RESTORED IN AME CHURCHES:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The
Christian Recorder
There are a few things that remain the same; change has always
been the scene of the human landscape.
There is a temptation to long for the “good old days,” but to be
honest; the old days were not always good.
Even in the “good old days,” the older folks used to talk about
the “good old days.” They were talking about the events of their past; and I
suspect when young people today get older, they will refer to the present as
the “good old days.”
We spend a lot of time looking back and maybe not enough time
looking forward. I'm guilty, so let me reminisce and take a moment to look
back.
There are four things that were generally common in many AME
Churches that I would like to see in churches today.
But, first let me say…
There is at least one thing that has not changed; and that is
the salaries of pastors. Among professionals, pastors’ salaries rank low
compared to other professionals; and AME pastors’ salaries rank the lowest;
that’s not a complaint, that’s the reality and those of us in the itinerant
ministry knew about pastors’ salaries before we entered the ministry.
Class dues
I don't hear much about class dues today and really I'd
forgotten that we had class dues because when I visit churches and even in the
church that I attend, I don’t hear anything about class dues.
Class dues were a love offering for the pastor. In the “good old
days,” as now, generally pastors were underpaid. There were, and are,
exceptions, but the exceptions are rare.
Class dues were not taxable because most often they were given
in cash, and class dues were not considered part of the salary or the financial
package for the pastor. Class dues were considered a gift.
Last week I attended our 13th Episcopal district
midyear meeting at Saint Andrew AME Church in Memphis, and as I always do when
visiting churches, pick up an offering envelope, if there is one in the
pews. I picked up an offering envelope
at St. Andrew and to my astonishment I saw an entry on the offering envelope that
said “Class Dues” and that caused me to reminisce. The class dues entry was on
every church envelope of every church I attended and every church I pastored.
And what I liked about the class dues entry on Saint Andrew AME
Church envelope was that, in parentheses, it said, "Love offering for the
pastor." Now that's what I call transparency.
In the churches I grew up in class dues was always a part of the
stewardship program.
As a pastor, I never talked about class dues; never tried to get
parishioners to increase their class dues contribution, never complained about
the amount of class dues I received; it was understood that class dues were a
gift that parishioners could give or not give.
Each Sunday after the offering was counted; the pastor steward
would come and give me an envelope with the class dues that might have had a
few dollars, some quarters, dimes, and even a few pennies. As a struggling
pastor trying to finish seminary, raise a family, the class dues were a
blessing.
Class dues kept me humble because I knew that the parishioners
who gave class dues didn’t have to do so.
The love offering
In the “good old days,” a preacher would be invited to preach a
sermon at another church and after the sermon the offering was lifted. The stewards
or ushers would hold two plates, one for the host church and the other for the
visiting preacher.
When guest preachers were invited to preach at a morning worship
service, a love offering was taken up for the preacher during the
offering.
The love offering gave the parishioners an opportunity to
express their love and appreciation for the preached-word. I am also sure that
the love offering gave parishioners an opportunity to express their
disappointment with a less than stellar preached-word.
I never did a formal study about the relationship about the
amount of the love offering and sermons, but several of my clergy friends were
sure that the generosity of the love offering was proportional to the
effectiveness of the sermon; a so-so sermon presentation seemed to result in a
so-so love offering; a dynamic sermon presentation, a more dynamic love
offering; at least that’s the way it seemed.
There was just something about receiving a love offering;
dollars, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies that the parishioners gave in the
offering plate.
Things changed
Somewhere along the way, a gradual change took place. A love offering was lifted, but a check was
given to the preacher instead of the money that was put in the offering plate.
Sometime the check didn’t seem to match the offering collected. I suspect that some churches had an amount
that they wanted to give the guest preacher and if the love offering exceeded
that amount, the local church kept the difference.
Then the love offering was eliminated altogether and a check was
given to the guest preacher and the lifting of the love offering disappeared,
as did class dues.
The processional
Something else that has disappeared in some of our churches is
the processional.
I visit some churches and even in connectional worship services
the choir members just “gaggle” to the choir loft; one by one or two by two,
choir members just meander to their seats in the choir. And, most often no
robes, and if the dress is black and white, there will always be one or two
with an odd-color or a floral-print outfit. For many choirs, worship is
routine, no drama in the opening of the worship service. It seems that most choirs cannot stand up and
sit down in unison; there is always somebody struggling with a pocketbook or
struggling to hold the hymnbook or sheet music.
The clergy
Pastors and ministerial staff members just meander to the pulpit
shuffling papers, talking to one another as they go up to the pulpit; and they
might kneel or they might not kneel prior to taking their seats. Whoever is
scheduled to do be the worship leader will stand up and say nonchalantly,
"For this is the day the Lord has made…" and then just as
dispassionately say, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow...” No drama, no formality, no dignity.
Let me reminisce
My earliest memories of the processional were at Bethel AME
Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania when the Rev. T.S. Clement was the pastor.
Sunday morning as people were gathering to enter the church, the
choir would be standing downstairs, getting in line to process upstairs to the
sanctuary. I can remember the organist, Kippy. At 11 o'clock, he would play the
chimes on the organ and then with gusto begin playing the processional hymn,
"Come we then love the Lord…" and he would have the organ “rocking,”
and the choir with fanfare and drama, followed by the Rev. T.S. Clement and any other clergy who might be
present for the worship service, would process to the front of the church,
pause at the altar and then move to the choir loft and to the pulpit
respectively.
The drama of the opening worship service remains etched in my
memory because each Sunday was a defining moment for the beginning of Sunday
worship at Bethel.
For me, the processional set the tone for the worship service. I
don't know how, or why, the processional disappeared in some of our churches.
The recessional
It appears to me that the recessional of the choir and the
clergy is something else this kind of disappeared from many of our worship
services.
In some of out churches, the ending of the worship service is
just as “routine” as the beginning of the worship service.
Some pastors invite the parishioners to stand for the Doxology,
when they have the Doxology; and the benediction is given; that’s it, the end
of the worship service.
The clergy and the choir just kind of gaggle out of the choir
loft and the pulpit the same way they gaggled in; no drama at the service and
no drama at the end of the service and no drama at the beginning of the
service.
The worship service just seems to have degraded into a
"We've done what we had to do" and "we have met the worship
requirement” for the week – it’s time to go home.
The recessional of the choir and especially the clergy seems to
be an appropriate act of closure and puts a dramatic end to the worship
service. I say, especially for the clergy because there is something special
about the pastor and the other members of the clergy team being at the door and
taking the time to greet parishioner as they depart the sanctuary.
All churches have not abandoned the processional and recessional
I am pleased to be able to write that when visiting Bethel AME
Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and in other church I visit, worship services
begin with a dramatic processional and ends with an equally dramatic
recessional.
Not just the AME Church
The reality of the absence of drama in worship is not just an
AME issue, but apparently other denominations are experiencing the same
degradation of the worship experience.
AME Churches and other sacramental churches have “fired-down”
and non-denominational and other churches have "fire-up.”
The four things that I would like to see restored: Class dues,
the love offering, the processional and the recessional.
2. THANK YOU! PRAISE GOD
FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!
We are so grateful for the prayers and petitions that went out
for our beloved WIM Sister, the Rev. Dr. Marie Braxton.
We praise God for the AWESOME work that God has done in her
life.
We are blessed to announce that she received a kidney transplant
on Monday evening. Dr. Braxton is doing well and we ask all the members of the
2nd Episcopal District Women in Ministry continue to keep her and
her family in your prayers. We serve an
awesome God who is faithful to meet EVERY need that we have.
“O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the one who
takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8
Submitted by the 2nd
Episcopal District Women In Ministry
3. THE AMEC WMS SUPPORTS
THE TRAYVON MARTIN MOVEMENT AND SENDS LETTER TO THE HONORABLE ERIC H. HOLDER,
JR.:
The Women’s Missionary Society under the leadership of Dr.
Shirley Cason-Reed has launched a letter writing campaign in support of the
Trayvon Martin movement. We are encouraging Missionaries and all members of the
AME Church to join in this campaign.”
[Below is the letter that was sent to the Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr.,
Attorney General of the U. S. Department of Justice.
March 27, 2012
The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr.
Attorney General of the U. S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest
Washington, District of Columbia 20530-0001
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
On behalf of the 800,000 members of the Women’s Missionary Society
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, we “lift every voice and sing” with
one voice, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ across the world come
together in search of justice in the senseless killing of Trayvon Martin. As
mothers and fathers and relatives of young men around the world who have
suffered vigilante injustices because of the color of their skin, culture,
etc., we call for:
1. The arrest and prosecution of George Zimmerman in the
shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
2. The immediate investigation of the actions of the police
department of Sanford, Florida by the Justice Department.
3. The immediate repeal of the “Stand Your Ground” law in the
State of Florida on grounds that it encourages tragic actions by wrong
intended, self-proclaimed community watchdogs.
4. We are initiating a letter writing campaign by our membership
in support of the search for justice in a system which too often is flawed and
misused in an effort to destroy our young men.
We extend our prayers and support to the parents and family of
Trayvon Martin and the families of countless young men who continue to mourn
their untimely deaths at the hands of those who attribute no worldly value to
their young lives.
We shall “Lift Every Voice and Sing” till freedom and justice
rings for all the sons of mothers and fathers everywhere regardless of race,
national origin, culture or economic circumstances.
Sincerely,
/s/
Shirley Cason-Reed
International President
4.
CHURCHES UNITED IN CHRIST (CUIC) STATEMENT - ON THE KILLING OF TRAYVON MARTIN:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a part of the CUIC
(Churches United in Christ)
Churches
Uniting in Christ: The Rev. Robina M. Winbush,
President; Mrs. Jacqueline Dupont Walker, Vice President; the Rev. Dr. Jean
Hawxhurst, Secretary; the Rev. Dr. Robert Welsh, Treasurer
March 28, 2012
A
Statement on the Killing of Trayvon Martin
We write as leaders of churches who have
covenanted through Churches Uniting in Christ to address the sin of racism that
divides us in our churches and in society. We write as pastors who have
baptized and welcomed into membership children to whom the fullness of God’s
grace for their lives has been extended. We write as parents of children for
whom we have prayed and work to build a nation and a world in which all
children are free to live their lives, using the gifts God grants them. We
write because we understand that when any child cries out for help, it is the
duty of the Church to respond with life-affirming love and justice.
We write because we cannot remain silent
as our country once again struggles with the senseless killing of an unarmed
young African American boy. We write because we cannot remain silent at the
continued “criminalization” of black and
brown peoples with laws that give license to people to shoot first and ask
questions later (the so-called “stand your ground” legislation). We write
because we are appalled at a local justice system that has presumed the guilt
of a dead child and has failed to thoroughly investigate his killing. We write
because we recognize that any of our black and brown children could be Trayvon
Martin. The words of the prophet Micah speak to us: “He has told you, O mortal,
what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to
love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
So our first word is to Tracy Martin and
Sybrina Fulton, the parents of Trayvon, his family, friends, and community in
their grief. Our hearts are bleeding with you as we mourn the death of Trayvon
and the loss of his potential contribution. However, we pray that his death
will not be in vain, but that there will emerge in our nation a new consciousness
that challenges the assumptions and fears rooted in racism and xenophobia. We
commit to continue to raise the underlying issues of Trayvon’s killing in our
churches and wider society until the day truly comes when all of our children
can walk in any neighborhood without fear or being feared.
Our second word is to the Florida 4th
District Attorney and U.S. District Attorney offices. We join with and support
our colleagues in the Florida Council of Churches calling for an expedient and
unbiased investigation into this killing that will bring justice for Trayvon,
peace for his family, and security for our children
(https://www.floridachurches.org/108).
Our third word is to our congregations
and all people of faith and good will. As tragic as Trayvon’s death is, this is
also a teachable moment and a time for a bold witness. It is a time to
understand the privilege that some of us have to walk freely without the
presumption of criminality because of the color of our skin. It is a time to
understand the burden that some of us have to live always facing the
stereotypes of others and the danger that these stereotypes might cost us our
lives. In humility, we invite the Body of Christ to join in serious
self-examination about how our communities by our silence support racial
profiling and stereotyping. We invite you to offer prayers in weekly worship
services, using resources such as those available through the Samuel Dewitt
Proctor Conference (http://www.sdpconference.info) and to join with
congregations across racial lines in your local community to strategize
together for corrective actions. We invite our congregations to join together
and study the laws of states and local communities that allow one to “shoot
first and ask questions later.”
Our final word is to our children. We
hear many Trayvons crying for help. We commit ourselves to continue to work for
a world where you can walk freely, fulfill your God-given purpose, and not live
in fear or be feared. In this Lenten season, we are ever mindful of the defenseless
killing of Jesus, the One whom we know as Lord and Savior. We are also mindful
of the Resurrection and its demonstration that evil does not have the last
word, but
God’s overcoming goodness prevails. This
is the hope with which we live our lives, and this is the hope we share with
you.
In Unity and Justice,
David R. Daniels, Jr.
President of the Council of Bishops
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Sharon E. Watkins
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Thomas J. Hoyt
Senior Bishop
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Rev. Donald H. Ashmall
Council Minister
International Council of Community
Churches
Elizabeth D. Miller
President, Provincial Elders’ Conference
Moravian Church (Northern Province)
Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Geoffrey A. Black
General Minister and President
United Church of Christ
Larry Goodpaster
Bishop Larry Goodpaster
President of the Council of Bishops
United Methodist Church
(Signed
by all)
Churches Uniting in Christ is a covenant
relationship among ten Christian communions that have pledged to live more
closely together in expressing their unity in Christ and combating racism
together. The member churches of CUIC include the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ), the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the Episcopal
Church, the International Council of Community Churches, the Moravian Church
(Northern Province), the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ
and the United Methodist Church. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is
a partner in mission and dialogue.
5. THE VALUE OF A YOUNG
LIFE COUNTERING ECONOMIC SECURITY THREATS ON OUR STREET, USA:
By Eric and Stephanie
Stradford
Police presence, barricades, unused reserved parking, and
private closed parking lots might have motivated more marching for thousands
who peacefully pressed to Rally for Trayvon Martin.
The Christian Recorder,
March 23, 2012, Sanford, FL – In just a few days, a family will mark one month
since the senseless shooting and death of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African
American. In just a few days more, a billion Christians around the world will
mark another historically senseless murder and outcome upon which they base
their faith.
Local pastors, calling for calm behind a pattern of
state-sanctioned actions, believe that Lenten Season can help more of Sanford’s
54,000 residents minister inevitable change for 1,342,946,000 believers
worldwide. But, what's the story behind the story?
Depending on the news one chooses to believe, 5,000 to 25,000
people gathered for Reverend Al Sharpton’s “Enough is Enough” rally. Behind the
headlines, a last minute change in venue, prompted by routine security intelligence,
moved television lights, cameras and crews from the Shiloh Missionary Baptist
Church to Sanford’s waterfront Fort Mellon Park.
Last night, change came to Sanford. “In the interest of the
public safety,” Norman R. Wolfinger, state attorney for Seminole County,
removed himself from the case. Wolfinger’s retreat was the second sign of
change. Earlier, Police Chief Bill Lee Jr. tapped press assets to announce his
“temporary resignation” as head of the Sanford police. Lee came into office
less than a year ago on the heels of another scandal that forced out his
predecessor. Having lost faith and trust with Americans here, there is probably
little hope that he will ever serve Sanford again.
But, for believers, all things are possible. Good News of a
resurrected Savior inspires and compels believers to increase their interest in
kingdom assets. The same Good News mapped assets for independence in Christ’s
prophetic assessment, “for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Historically, and in some cases statutorily, America has
assessed the value of a young African American as less than that of a whole
citizen. Some describe the all too routine profiling of African Americans and
rules of engagement, such as Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, as a threat to
national security. "If I had a son,
he'd look like Trayvon," said President Barack Obama. "All of us have to do some soul
searching."
Many in the crowd gathered here wore t-shirts bearing the
phrase, “I Am Trayvon,” demonstrating solidarity with the cause. "I feel
that we need an arrest," said Sybrina Fulton to supporters at the rally.
Fulton is the mother of Trayvon Martin. "The temporary step-down of Bill
Lee is nothing," Tracy Martin, Trayvon's father told the rally. "We
want an arrest, we want a conviction, and we want a sentence for the murder of
our son."
For the record, Trayvon Martin is one in a lineage of young
African Americans profiled and sentenced to death before they could graduate from
high school, vote, serve their country in the military, or go to college. For
Trayvon’s family, the tremendous loss can only be felt by someone who has lost
a loved-one to a violent crime. Unfortunately for them and their compassioned
community, there has not been much time to grieve.
For Martin’s family, the nightmare began on February 26 when he
reportedly walked to a nearby store for some Skittles and an ice tea. As of
today, no one has been arrested for the crime. According to George Zimmerman, he
shot Martin in self-defense during his neighborhood watch duty.
A capacity crowd gathered earlier this week at Allen Chapel
African Methodist Episcopal Church for a town hall style meeting. According to
the Reverend Valarie J. Houston, pastor, “several ministers have come together
with civil rights leaders and community activists to plan a series of peaceful
events advocating justice for Trayvon.”
Last night, Sharpton called for a “Rally for Justice.” Local,
county and state law enforcement responded by deploying multiple helicopters in
the air and troops on the ground. During the rally, demonstrators learned that
Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee would "temporarily" step down as head
of the department, which has been criticized for its handling of the fatal
shooting.
"We did not come here for a temporary leave of
absence," said Sharpton. "We came for permanent justice -- arrest
Zimmerman now!" The national president of the NAACP, Benjamin Jealous,
said, "The reality is that this chief had probable cause to lock up a man
who shot a boy in cold blood and he failed to do his job." Martin Luther
King III, while speaking at the rally, urged the crowd to pray for Sharpton and
his family, in the loss of their mother, Ada Sharpton, who passed earlier in the
day.
In his statement earlier in the day, Bill Lee told reporters,
"I am aware that my role as a leader of this agency has become a
distraction from the investigation. It is apparent that my involvement in this
matter is overshadowing the process. Therefore, I have come to the decision
that I must temporarily remove myself from the position." He added,
"I do this in the hopes of restoring some semblance of calm to the city,
which has been in turmoil for several weeks." Lee's decision came a day
after the city commission voted 3-2 in favor of a nonbinding measure of no
confidence.
Tonight, Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Sanford, will once again
open its doors for a “One Hour Prayer Vigil.”
The Reverend Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor, Empowerment Temple A.M.E.
Church, Baltimore, MD, with Stephen Green, a former resident of Florida and
student at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA are coordinating national leaders
for a Monday, March 26 “March and Rally for Justice.” Bryant and Green are sons
of Bishops in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The march will begin at
the First United Methodist Church and end at Sanford City Hall. The week will
culminate with a “March Rally and Protest” coordinated by the NAACP on
Saturday, March 31. Many other efforts are being planned, including a visit to
Washington, DC on April 10—the day the grand jury is scheduled to meet.
In another case, according to the Justice Department this week,
three white Mississippi men pleaded guilty to federal hate crimes in connection
with the 2011 death of James Craig Anderson, an African-American man in
Jackson, MS.
Deryl Dedmon, John Aaron Rice and Dylan Butler each admitted to
conspiracy and violating the 2009 federal hate-crimes law in last June's
killing of Anderson. The 19-year-old Dedmon pleaded guilty to state murder and
hate-crime charges and was sentenced to life in prison. Rice, 19, and Butler,
20, made their initial appearances in federal court Thursday morning. They face
sentences of up to life in prison and $250,000 in fines.
The men are among the first defendants to be prosecuted under
the federal hate-crime statute that President Barack Obama signed in 2009 and
the first to be prosecuted in a fatal attack.
Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez commented, "The
Department of Justice will vigorously pursue those who commit racially
motivated assaults and will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that those
who commit such acts are brought to justice."
6. FLORIDA
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES UNITE WITH AME CHURCH ON JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON MARTIN
By Eric and Stephanie Stradford
The Christian Recorder, March 24, 2012, Sanford, FL – Dr. Wayne
D. Wiatt, District Superintendent for the Florida United Methodist Church,
spoke at Friday evening’s Prayer Vigil hosted by Allen Chapel African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Sanford. Dr. Wiatt
read the following statement issued by faith leaders of the Florida Council of
Churches concerning the shooting death of Trayvon Martin:
March 21, 2012
On behalf of our churches, we wish to convey our deepest condolences
to the family of Trayvon Martin. The promise of his young life in no way
deserved to be ended by a gunshot within sight of his father’s front door on
February 26, 2012. We pray for the family’s peace of mind in knowing of the
love of God which surpasses death and for justice to be pursued in this tragic
mishap so that it does not happen to another family anywhere in Florida.
Trayvon’s death was unwarranted. Florida should be a place where
a person of any color can walk in a neighborhood without fear of violence or
being presumed a suspicious threat. Florida should be a place where the use of
deadly force is rare and uncommon. Florida should also be a place where the
misuse of deadly force is not tolerated.
We call upon law enforcement in Sanford to pursue justice in
this matter with deliberate effectiveness. The investigation into Trayvon
Martin’s death should proceed swiftly without racial bias so that the matter is
not continually tried in the media. The Martin family and the community at large
need protection from vigilantism and assurance that Florida's streets are open
to all people without respect to the color of their skin.
We call upon Sanford authorities to take actions that
demonstrate both racial fairness and concern for the safety of the community.
7. ENTRANCE TO THE LENTEN
SEASON FROM EBENEZER AME CHURCH, RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY:
Mrs. Ann Parker
The Shrove Tuesday Supper
Ebenezer is finally starting to observe all the special days
involved in the Christian church.
Tuesday evening, February 21st, we celebrated the day just
before Lent begins. It is called
“Shrove” or “Fat” Tuesday. At that meal
we may eat pancakes and other fattening foods that we shouldn’t be eating for
the 40 days of Lent. The pancakes and
sausage were delicious.
The pastor had decorated the Fellowship Hall with the
traditional colorful beads, balloons and horns.
Everyone ate their fill, and then Pastor Crawford again told of the
relationship and the meaning between Shrove Tuesday, Lent, and Easter.
This was a “filling” experience in more ways than one!
Ash Wednesday Service
Our introduction to the Lenten season continued the next day
with our first Ash Wednesday service.
The first hymn sung, “Yield Not to Temptation,” was really
fitting because, for those who are engaging in it, we should have begun our
fasts by this time. The Litany of
Penitence, read responsively by the pastor and congregation, dealt with several
sins or actions for which we were stating our repentance.
After Pastor Crawford’s brief Lenten meditation in which she
told us of Jesus’ coming trials, we sang a hymn of dedication, “I Have Decided
to Follow Jesus.” After a prayer, ashes
were placed on the foreheads of those in attendance. The final words as the ashes were imposed
were “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
We now feel that we are really into the Lenten season.
8. THE
100TH SESSION OF THE JAMAICA ANNUAL CONFERENCE USHERS IN MANY
FIRSTS:
Highlights of the 100th
Jamaica Conference
In an
unprecedented seven business sessions and an unprecedented length of business
sessions (Saturday night 11:10 p.m. and Sunday 5:35 p.m.) the 100th
Session of the Jamaica Annual Conference proved to be historic and a hot-bed of
many "first!
Under the
leadership of the Rev Michael Blake, the Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee led the
Jamaica Conference to two, rather than three, presiding elder districts and
name changes. The conference, with four readings, approved the adoption of
two-presiding elder districts in the Jamaica Conference: (1) the Pedro Plain
District, the Rev. Lebert Dawkins, Presiding Elder, (2) the Blue Mountain
District with the Rev. Dr. Millard Davis, Presiding Elder.
The First
Woman assigned to the historic Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church,
Kingston Jamaica was reappointed as pastor. The Rev. Dr. Monica Spencer
was appointed back to Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church. Dr. Spencer was
first assigned to COCOR January 1, 2012, making her the first woman and first
American to have been assigned to the historic church. Dr. Spencer transferred
from the 2nd Episcopal District.
One hundred
- "100 Year Moments" allowed the celebration of many persons in
history of Conference and current history-makers and servants of the Jamaica
Conference.
The Rev.
Lebert Dawkins celebrated as the Senior Presiding Elder and only preacher to
have pastored in all three districts; and who served as pastor of most of the
Churches in Jamaica; and the only preacher who has "walked" more
miles in Jamaica to get to his churches and Presiding Elder District.
The Rev.
Dr. Millard L. Davis elected Vice-President of the Jamaica Council of Churches;
in 100 years the AME Church has never been at this level of leadership.
The Rev.
Caudria Pearson-Newell was elected President of the Women In Ministry.
Brother
Alvin Samuels was elected President of the Jamaica Young People's
Department
The first
Pastoral Committee to serve as caregiver to Pastors was appointed with the
first Chairperson the Rev. Lenford Newell who is trained in the field of
counseling.
The Rev.
Newton G. A. Dixon is commended for his outstanding leadership of our
Centennial Celebrations - August, 2011: Lecture Series, Banquet, and Divine
Worship with returning Bishop Frederick Talbot and Dr. Sylvia Talbot,
Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady and former Supervisor Carrie Grady; Bishop Carolyn
Tyler-Guidry and Supervisor Lola Nixon-Cheltenham.
The editorial
team of Brother Trevor Bennett, Chief Editor; Brother Dellon-Dale Bennet,
Editor; and Sister Allisia Dixon, Editor for the publication of our 100th
Year "Centennial Magazine"
The Rev.
Barrington Samuel Lawrence preached the 100th Session Worship
Service Closing Message and received his transfer from the Jamaica Conference
to the First Episcopal District, New York Conference, after serving more
than 54 years in the AME Church in Jamaica and having served as pastor and
presiding elder until 2010.
The Rev.
Dr. Wayne Anthony, Presiding Elder -Trinidad/Tobago, introduced the 16th
Episcopal District 2013 Church-Year theme: "Our Best is Yet to Come"
-I Corinthians 2:9 during the 100th Session of the Annual Conference Institutes on Friday and
Saturday mornings in a most excellent anointed Bible Study.
Eight
mothers and fathers of the Jamaica Conference who were 76-years -old and older
were celebrated during the 100th Session of the Conference; one
mother was 92-years-old!
Sister Teslyn
Roofe was the first woman and lay person, appointed Treasurer of the Jamaica
Conference
The Rev.
Clarence O. Turpin, Treasurer of the Jamaica Conference for 12 years,
celebrated by the Bishop and the Conference for his outstanding service. The
Rev. Turpin was applauded by the Bishop for his integrity, commitment and
supportive spirit that she has experienced during these last four years
Bishop
Davis and the Jamaica Annual Conference commended the 16th District
Sojourner Sheniqua Bouges, second-year Medical Student from South Carolina, who
took time to visit the Opening Worship of the 100th Session during
her visit to Kingston for volunteer mission service at the Mustard Seed
Community and the University Hospital.
Be sure to
watch for all the other "100 Year Moments" observed and more about
our 100th Year Conference, which will be shared soon by our
Conference Reporter, the Rev. Enid Samuels.
To God be
the glory for how God showed up during the 100th Session of the
Jamaica Annual Conference!
**Submitted by Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate of 16th Episcopal
District and Vice-President,
World Methodist Council
9. AME
CHURCH IN BERMUDA CELEBRATES HISTORIC CONFERENCE:
Prepared by the Rev. Gilbert
Hayward
The 126th Session of the East / West
District of the Bermuda Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church ended with a resounding success during the week of March 8th-11th,
2012 at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel.
The Conference, hosted by Presiding Elder the Rev. Betty
Furbert - Woolridge and the Bermuda A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance, was officially
convened on March 8th.
At the request of the Presiding Bishop of the First
Episcopal District, the Rt. Rev. Richard
Franklin Norris, the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Bishop of the 8th
Episcopal District assumed the responsibility of uniquely chairing this years’
Conference proceedings. Presiding Elder Herbert Eddy, President of the First
Episcopal District Presiding Elders and Rev. Dr. Earl Jefferson, First
Episcopal District Administrative Assistant to Bishop Norris were also present
to oversee the business of this 126th Session of the Bermuda Annual in the
absence of Bishop Richard Norris, our prelate. The First Episcopal District Lay President, Mrs. Mary Mootoo was also
present.
Government Officials in attendance were the Deputy
Premier, the Hon. Derek Burgess, Members of Parliament- the Hon. Darius Tucker,
the Hon. D. Neletha Butterfield and the Hon. Kim Wilson, Attorney General.
Accountant General, the Rev. Dr. Joyce Hayward led the conference dancers in
worship in her role as the Director of the Conference Creative Arts Ministry.
History was in the making, as the Bishop, the
Presiding Elder, the eleven church delegates, the candidates for Ordination, as
well as the A.M.E. Youth of the Year were all female.
The highly Spirit filled and uplifting Conference
soared to unprecedented heights with dynamic and exciting preaching, teaching , music, singing , workshops,
worship, and dance.
The Annual Sermon was preached by the Rev. Jahkimmo
F. Smith, pastor of Mount Zion AME Church in Southampton entitled, ‘Beautiful
Feet’. His scripture text was taken from Roman 10: 14-15. At the Ordination
ceremony where the Rev. Georgette Prime-Godwin and the Rev. Stephanie Castro
were ordained as Itinerant Elder, the Rev. Dr. Earl Jefferson preached a
stirring sermon from Jeremiah 48:11.
On the Friday evening, Miss Akeilah Richardson of St. Philip AME Church was
named as the 2012 A.M.E. ‘Youth of the Year’ by the Department of Christian
Education. Miss Richardson was also
elected as the Bermuda Conference YPD President at the YPD Meeting which was
convened on Saturday, March 10th at Vernon Temple AME Church.
The 126th Session of the Bermuda Annual
Conference which ran from March 8th – 11th closed with a
packed house with the Commissioning Sermon preached by Bishop Tyler Guidry
entitled. ‘Go Find the Woman at the Well.” All 11 pastors were returned to
their respective Churches.
The report on Special Resolutions emerging from the
Conference is as follows:
Report of the Committee on Special Resolutions
The 126th session of the Bermuda Annual
Conference wishes to address several community issues that are of concern to
the church.
Whereas; Bermuda’s economic recovery is still way off in the
future;
And Whereas; the public purse is being supported through more
borrowing;
And Whereas; a welcomed decrease in crime does not equal a
decrease in violence;
And Whereas;
consideration of an Equality Act appeared in the Throne Speech;
And Whereas; gaming remains an option in the minds of many as a
practicable revenue stream;
And Whereas; a parliamentary election is in the wings;
And Whereas; the public education system is the primer for
Bermuda’s future;
And Whereas; the church rethinks its ways of serving this
present age;
And Whereas; the church has experienced a light and lifting
Annual Conference over the past four days at the Fairmont Southampton Resort
under the leadership of the Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, presiding at
the request of Bishop Richard F. Norris, prelate of the First Episcopal
District;
Be it Resolved:
THAT the African Methodist Episcopal Church
continues to assist our neighbors who are seeking jobs and trying to make ends
meet;
Be it Further Resolved:
That the African Methodist Episcopal Church commits to
join with our leaders in seeking solutions related to servicing Bermuda’s
national debt;
That the Church finds a way to positively impact those
who feel displaced while giving our seniors the comfort and security of safe
neighborhoods;
That the African Methodist Episcopal Church affirms the
God-given worth of every person while remaining adamantly opposed to any form
of legislation, entertainment and activity (including alcohol, drug abuse and
gaming) that will further erode the traditional family structure and eventually
Bermuda society as a whole;
That the African Methodist Episcopal Church insists that
its eligible members be informed, educated and encouraged to exercise their
responsibility to vote;
That the African Methodist Episcopal Church supports the
efforts of the Ministry of Education in engaging parents and guardians to be a
part of their students’ academic development;
That the African Methodist Episcopal Church commits to
constructive self-reflection of its mission and purpose;
That the Bermuda Annual
Conference notes a historical first by having a female bishop preside over one of
its sessions;
That the African Methodist Episcopal Church is grateful
for the diligence of the Presiding Elder, the Rev. Betty L. Furbert-Woolridge;
And That the Bermuda Annual Conference salutes two
quadrennials of exemplary service by the Right Reverend Richard F. Norris and
Mother Maryann Norris.
10. SHENIQUA BOUGES, A SECOND-YEAR
MEDICAL STUDENT SHARES THE REPORT ON HER MISSION TRIP TO JAMAICA - 16TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SOJOURNER’S REPORT:
*By
Shenikqua Bouges
When
consumed by the demands of medical school, it is easy to lose sight of our
ultimate goal of serving others. Striving to make the mark or to pass our USMLE
Step 1 boards in June tends to be the main focus for the spring semester
because passing is required in order to move forward. In spite of these
concerns, there is more I needed to do for personal growth. I enjoy
volunteering, but just helping in the states was not enough for me. I wanted to
learn about another culture and their medical practices. I desired to volunteer
my services to others as a humbling experience. An opportunity to see what
resources are needed in another country and to help in any way I could through
offering my time to them. In doing mission work, I’m hoping to help another in
addition to becoming a better person. This experience will help me become
better equipped at communicating with others, building rapport and respect for
another culture.
Having a
vision to do a good deed for a community while working to become a better
person through these experiences seems like a simple process, but the
difficulty comes when it’s time to put these thoughts into fruition. Making it
to Kingston, Jamaica was like “crossing a river when I couldn’t see the
bridge.” My last two attempts for attending a mission trip were unsuccessful
due to safety concerns and issues with my travel certificate. The third attempt
started out the same way but I refused to accept it this time. I was told, “I
would not be going to Jamaica if the flight selected for me wasn’t okay.” This
would be a 3-hour flight from my destination.
After
thanking my travel planner, I said the devil is a liar and looked for other
alternatives because I refused to let the same matter prevent me from a
wonderful opportunity. I was already told that I would be well-taken care of
when I arrived, but getting there seemed to be the problem.
I didn’t
know how I would get there, but I was just determined to make it to Kingston. I
couldn’t understand why issues kept coming up against me when all I wanted to
do was volunteer my services. A common idiom, “When it rains it pours,”
describes my initial reaction. A car hit me on my way to the library, an
unexpected change with finances in addition to a very challenging block in
school preventing much leisure time. I only mention these minor concerns
because they were obstacles thrown my way in order to deter my vision for
mission work.
Another way
to look at this situation is; “What the devil meant for evil, God turned it
around for my good.”
Not a
physical scratch came from the accident, I was prepared for the financial
change and I only needed to continue pushing like before in school.
After I’ve
done all the studying I can, I leave it in the Lord’s hand and trust him to
help me work to the best of my abilities on test day. With everything before
me, I was more than ready for Kingston, Jamaica. I needed to be refreshed and
equipped for the challenges ahead.
My travel
to Kingston was just what I needed at the right time. Not only was I able to
volunteer, I was able to hear some powerful messages from the Lord at the 100th
Session of the Jamaica Annual Conference.
We started
with a sermon on “renewal” and humbling ourselves as we serve others. Bishop
Sarah F. Davis made a dynamic statement when she said, “We become what we seek and
start to act like what we cooperate with in this world.” We should turn from
the way of the world and seek God. There was time for a “spiritual checkup” and
encouragement to press forward during hardships because “the best is yet to
come.” We have to continue to “go down to the potter’s house” so we can allow
God to mold us into God’s desired image.
I now
understand that while it may have taken a while for me to make my journey in
the natural sight, it may have been like a day in God’s eyes. The Lord’s timing
is perfect and things work better when we allow Him to take full control of our
destinations. By waiting a couple of months, I was blessed with many valuable
opportunities in just one week. This has truly been a blessing granted in which
I had no part in producing. My only task was to show up.
I
volunteered at the Mustard Seed Community where I had the honor of spending
time with children in the community ranging from 1½ years to 20 years of age.
I became
“Auntie Shenikqua” to children I’m meeting for the first time, and it was
amazing how they embraced me. The smallest one, a strong, fierce little girl
clung to me after only a couple of hours. It felt nice to know they wanted my
help or just desired the attention of another. I helped feed a young boy who
was blind and wheelchair bound. He could only have pureed food due to an
inability to chew his food. I would tap his cheek and speak on his left side so
he knew which way to turn his head and open his mouth wide to prevent the food
from spilling on him. “Good job,” I would tell him when he was able to get the
food in his mouth. Encouragement worked with all of the children and made them
feel good about themselves.
I would ask
for a “high five” whenever they completed a task or just told them “good job”
and “thank you.” They also thanked one another when receiving something.
One of the
most rewarding moments was on the playground pushing four of the little girls
on a swing. The cool breeze felt nice on their heads and the more outspoken
little girl rested her head on another child’s lap as if she was tired. The
other little girl just rubbed her back as they swung silently. This was one of
the few moments where four of the children sat still and quietly enjoying
themselves. Seeing the compassion and support of these young children was a
very emotional moment. They are one another’s family. Another thing I really
enjoyed was discovering what it meant when the children held my cheeks in their
little hands. I was told this is an expression of love. After just one day of
spending time with them, they were telling me they loved me. These are
priceless moments which greatly touch my heart. It’s a comforting and painful
feeling at the same time. My time is limited at the community center but this
is their home. I only wish they all had families to go home to or relatives
that would visit frequently.
I spent
time with more children at the University Hospital where I was able to hold and
play with some of the infants. One particular little girl I held was so
precious because she was dealing with a severe medical condition and rarely had
visitors. She was so warm when I held her and just rested her little head on my
shoulder. She reached for my hand in fear when it was time for her to have a
new arterial line placed in her arm. I could only rub her face and shoulder to
help calm her. She wasn’t relieved until someone held her in their arms and
rocked her for a little while.
Being able
to connect with the children at both locations has sparked my interest even more
in pediatrics. I love children but didn’t think I would be able to care for
those in pain because I thought I couldn’t handle the emotional burden of
caring for a child in pain. These
experiences have proven me wrong. If anything, children need a caring,
compassionate determined individual more when in pain. It hurts more knowing
children are in pain and not being able to do anything about it.
While
spending time with the children, I was also able to learn how respiratory exams
are conducted in this country in addition to the process taken to develop a
differential diagnosis. I gathered more information on urinalysis in the
chemical pathology lab and little tricks to identifying the different cell
types microscopically. This was an opportunity to ask many questions in a very
relaxed setting.
Overall,
the greatest lesson learned was remembering to be humble in all situations.
Bishop Davis is truly a hard working woman of God who certainly loves the
Jamaican district. She went out of her way to make sure everyone was well-taken
care of while still handling the business of the Episcopal conference. A lot of
work and hours went into preparation for the conference, but she always had a
smile on her face. My schedule doesn’t compare to the workload and responsibilities
Bishop Davis manages while still helping others along the way. These are the
acts of kindness, gratitude and meekness I desired to get a greater
appreciation of during my journey. This reminded me that when God is first in
our lives all things will work out for our good. The load may become heavy but
I still cannot forget to serve others and continue to smile in spite of it all.
With God at the center of our lives we can have “unlimited power” to tackle
those difficult moments of life. All things are possible with God and I know
that “the best is still yet to come.”
I would
like to thank the Jamaican and American communities for helping to make this
mission trip possible.
*Shenikqua
Bouges is a 2nd year medical student at the Medical University of South
Carolina and is a member of Mt. Zion AME Church, Round’O, South Carolina
**Submitted
by Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District
11. PROJECT POWER AT BETHEL AME
CHURCH:
“Power and control
are possible” is a rallying call to harness diabetes. Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal Church in San Antonio, Texas, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. W.
Raymond Bryant, has partnered with the American Diabetes Association Project
Power to fight diabetes. The purpose of the program is to provide the church
and community with strategies and initiatives for healthy lifestyles to help
combat the growing epidemic of diabetes. The number of African Americans with
diagnosed diabetes has tripled since the 1960’s. Branded as the “killing
disease,” diabetes is the fourth cause of death in African Americans. It is the
leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputation.
Bethel AME
Church kicked off its initial session of Project Power on March 7, immediately
following the noon Bible Study that was led by the pastor, Reverend Bryant. The
sixty-one attendees were provided a free heart-healthy lunch and then
participated in the informative session. The workshop was designed to increase
the awareness of participants of the disease and to discuss the risk factors
for the African American community.
The
church’s Ambassador for the program, Mrs. Gjaundell Braziel, facilitated the
training titled Diabetes Days.
Included were testimonies from three participants who shared the life-changing
impact of the disease on their lives. A broad spectrum of the community
received the information with representation from eight area churches.
Attendees also received free resource materials, free diabetes glucose testing
and free blood pressure checks. The Reverend Bryant closed out the training
with a personal testimony on the impact of diabetes on his family.
Project
Power is a faith-based initiative to provide churches with a foundation to
assist them with integrating diabetes awareness messages and healthy lifestyle
tips into the lives of the family and the church. Project POWER provides six educational
workshops facilitated by an Ambassador. The Ambassador is trained by the
Association’s staff and is provided with an implementation guide for the
program. Staff assistance is available from the Diabetes Association.
Each module
is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours in length and comes with materials and
giveaways. Participants are encouraged to attend all six workshops. Project Power Ambassadors may choose to host
the sessions multiple times to allow for greater participation.
The message
that “power and control are possible” will be continued through the upcoming
workshops: Fit for the Master’s Use, the importance of physical activity; O Taste and See, timely tips about the
importance of healthy eating; A Clean
Heart, information to help understand the link between heart disease and
diabetes, and lastly; Train Up A Child,
important information for parents, grandparents and other relatives on raising
a healthy child and teaching them how to make healthy choices.
In addition
to the training, each week the Bethel congregation receives printed information
and pulpit reminders that provide tips and encouragement on developing and
maintaining healthy lifestyles. Reverend Bryant, voicing concern, stated, “We
have the power to overcome and defeat diabetes.”
For
information on Project Power, contact the American Diabetes Association: 1-800
Diabetes (800-342-2383) or go to website. http://www.diabetes.org/about-us/center-for-information-community-support.html
Bethel
African Methodist Episcopal Church of San Antonio, TX
The Rev.
Dr. W. Raymond Bryant, Pastor
225 North
Swiss Street
San
Antonio, Texas 78202
12. REEDY CHAPEL CELEBRATES 164TH
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY:
By the Rev.
Salatheia Bryant-Honors
Galveston,
Texas - In the pouring rain they came. They came to the birthplace of African
Methodism in Texas – Reedy Chapel - to celebrate the venerable church’s 164th
church anniversary.
Bishop Gregory
G.M. Ingram was the guest preacher for the anniversary service that was held
March 11, 2012.
Other
special guests included the South Houston District Presiding Elder, the Rev.
Johnny E. Jennings, Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski and Pastors Eric and Myra
Billips, Kevin Hodge, Vincent Hightower, and Patricia Smith.
Bishop
Ingram preached a message entitled: Be
Thankful using a dual text of Psalm 136 and Psalm 100. He told the
celebratory crowd that the writer of Psalm 136 was thankful because God heard
his prayer, and God delivered him and God preserved him.
“The theme
of the Psalm is evident,” Bishop Ingram said. “We don’t often deserve his
loving kindness, but God keeps blessing us anyhow. We have an exclusive duty and obligation
whenever we come together to praise the Lord because the Lord is good and his
mercy endures forever. “
Mrs. Alva
Courtney, one of the chairpersons for the anniversary, thanked Bishop Ingram
for making Reedy one of his final stops before his tenure in the Tenth District
ends. Courtney, Cornelia Harris Banks and Stephanie Wilson served as chairs for
the anniversary.
The church
was wonderfully decorated with fresh spring flower arrangements. The
Hospitality Committee headed by Sisters Anita Porter and Monique Melanson
transformed the fellowship hall into a showplace with decorations of purple,
black and gold and served Bishop Ingram and his guests in style.
The Rev.
Salatheia Honors wrote a special worship litany for the afternoon service.
Members Rosalee Tottenham and Janice Stanton gave a welcome and a moving
historic occasion, respectively. Brother Wallace Melanson said the prayer,
while Brother Charlie Seymour and Brother Brock Harrell read the scriptures.
Mrs. LaVerne Turner read a memorial for deceased members. A fresh wreath was
placed in the prayer garden in their honor.
The
afternoon service capped off a full-day of anniversary activities.
During the
11 a.m. service, Pastor Reginald Honors preached a dynamic message entitled Still Standing. Pastor Reginald told the
congregation that when he came back on the island for the first time after
Hurricane Ike and saw the steeple with its cross on top from a distance; he
knew that no matter what the condition of the building, the “church” was
alright.
“The cross
reminded me that upon this rock I build my church and the gates of hell will
not prevail against it,” preached Honors. “The church still stands. The church
is eternal. The church will never lose its power because it was built on a firm
foundation. Jesus is that foundation.”
Reedy
Chapel traces its origins back to 1848 when white slave owners gave their
slaves the land to start a house of worship.
This was
the fourth time that Bishop Ingram has preached at Reedy during his tenure as
the presiding prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District. Bishop Ingram preached
the 160th anniversary service, the prayer service for Reedy member
and NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, the dedication of the Rev. and Mrs. A.I.
Henley Prayer Garden and the rededication of the church following its reopening
after Hurricane Ike.
Bishop
Ingram appointed the Rev. Reginald and the Rev. Salatheia Honors as co-pastors
of Reedy in 2006 during the Tenth Episcopal District Planning Meeting.
Reedy
Chapel was one of the locations where General Order #3 was read announcing the
freedom of those still held in slavery in Texas. After the end of slavery,
Reedy served as a school for freed former slaves.
Reedy
conducts numerous tours of its facility throughout the year and has been featured
in many publications.
13. THE SHIRLEY HOPKINS
DAVIS EMERGING LEADERS INSTITUTE LAUNCHES AMIDST GREAT FANFARE AND
ANTICIPATION:
By Maxine S. Lyles, Publicity
Chair, Shirley Hopkins Davis Emerging Leaders Institute
With a vision to provide intergenerational
leadership opportunities for senior and other young women while enabling them
to work harmoniously in their churches, homes, communities, and society, the
Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis Emerging Leaders Institute made its debut on
Saturday, March 17, 2012 during the Mid-Year Meeting of the 8th Episcopal
District. The debut was hosted by the
South Mississippi Conference Women’s Missionary Society and Conference WMS
President Ms. Sherry Peyton at Bonner Campbell Institute in Edwards,
Mississippi. Thirty one young women were
inducted into the first mentoring class of the Institute. Additionally, twelve Legacy Builders
(mentors) were congratulated for their decision to participate in the
Leadership Institute and work closely with the mentees over the next twelve
months to identify, develop, and enhance their skills in the work of
missions.
Supervisor Lola Nixon Cheltenham
was the keynote speaker for this inaugural institute class. Her challenge to
the emerging leaders was, “Go Ye Therefore.” Hers was a message mixed with
sketches of her life’s developments and nuggets of wisdom gained from her
life’s works in missions and the A.M.E. Church.
The Shirley Hopkins Davis
Emerging Leaders Institute is established to prepare active members of the Women’s
Missionary Society, ages 18 to 45 years, to assume leadership roles in all
levels of the WMS and the A.M.E. Church.
Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis is the Immediate Past President of the
Connectional Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church. Her presidency was marked with
great and notable accomplishments, including organizing and holding Executive
Board in Charleston, SC (January 2011) and the 17th Quadrennial Convention in
Orlando, Florida (July 2011). During the
Quadrennial convention, she initiated the Sarah Allen-Charlotte Maxeke Legacy
Award to culminate the Quadrennial with the theme, “Soaring on a Legacy of
Service: Our Global Imperative.” This
award was presented to Judge President Monica Leeuw of the Republic of South
Africa and demonstrated the bridging of two legacies: Sarah Allen and Charlotte
Maxeke. She designed clusters of common quadrennial committees to move the work
in preparation for and implementation of the Quadrennial. Dr. Davis updated the website of the WMS and
secured services to provide web casting during the convention to offer
financial support to the Sojourner Global Ministry Program. For the first time
in the history of the WMS, seven sessions of the convention were live-streamed
to the world.
The Institute is established
during the tenure of service of Supervisor Lola Nixon Cheltenham (2008-2012),
with Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry as Presiding Prelate. The model of this
institute is adapted from the 11th Episcopal District’s Dorothy A. Peck Leadership
Institute and is established in honor of Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis, 8th
Connectional WMS President, whose leadership beliefs include the following:
From my knowledge and
experience, I believe that effective leaders are Christ-centered and committed to
the greater good of the organization, committed to building on what has been
done through innovative programs of purposeful action that address the varied
needs of our global community.
I believe that leadership is
commitment transformed into an enduring inspiration for others, that great
leaders put passion and energy into building relationships that positively
change the dynamics of the organization.
Effective leaders practice inclusion; they lead with integrity and
openness; they inspire and influence others. They are visible, approachable,
accountable, and available to the people they serve.
The Shirley Hopkins Davis
Emerging Leaders Institute will develop a cadre of competent, Christian leaders
groomed for leadership roles in the WMS, the A.M.E. Church, and society. The Connectional WMS Quadrennial theme,
“Expanding, Elevating, Empowering: Our 3E Mission for Global Service,” which
originated in the 8th District, sets the stage for these emerging leaders to:
- Examine the concept of leading
and following with new eyes.
- Have increased self-esteem and
confidence.
- Listen and speak with courage
and conviction.
- Be empowered to exercise
informed decision-making ability.
- Be prepared to establish
strong habits to build relationships.
- Seek and value community
action and involvement.
Dean Vickie Smith has been
forward leaning in pulling together the curriculum of the Institute and in
bringing the program to the launching point.
For further information about the Institute, please contact Dean Smith
at 38387 Sweet Magnolia Drive, Prairieville, LA
70769 or by telephone at 225.744.4020.
Visit the Institute website at http://eli.8thdistrictamec.com .
The 8th Episcopal District
is excited at this opportunity to prepare emerging leaders for roles of
responsibility and leadership in the AME Church. It is with great anticipation that we embark
upon this endeavor. Finally the District
is blessed to have this opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable and
unparalleled works of mission provided by Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis. Indeed, Dr. Davis can declare, “May the works
I’ve done speak for me.”
14. BETHEL AND BRYANT TEMPLE AME
CHURCHES HOLD “THEOLOGY IN THE HOOD” REVIVAL
By Mrs.
Cora Jackson-Fossett
Proclaiming
the relevance of the Black Church, two Los Angeles AME Churches presented the
“Theology in the Hood Revival” centered on the theme “Revisioning the Black
Church: The Church as Community Sanctuary.”
Headlining
the services was the internationally acclaimed Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A.
Wright, Jr., pastor emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, IL.
The
event, sponsored by Bethel AME and Bryant Temple A.M.E. Churches in partnership
with the Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches (LAM), was held January 23 to
January 25, at Bethel AME.
The Rev.
Dr. Kelvin T. Calloway is pastor of Bethel and the Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr.
is pastor of Bryant Temple. Cheryl A. Branch is the executive director of LAM.
“Dr. Oden
and I wanted to bring more to our community than just another preaching event.
We wanted to address, in a relevant way, the challenges facing our
community with re-entry issues. The Black Church has always been and still
should be the place where our people come for sanctuary,” said Pastor
Calloway.
“This
Revival, in ‘Revisioning the Black Church,’ aimed to demonstrate how the church
can make a difference by projecting a ministry that is more inclusive and more
sensitive to the emerging needs in our community,” said Pastor Oden.
Branch
added, “Faith-based organizations are being called upon to provide a critical
public safety function without resources. This strategy is not sustainable. I
am hoping we can send a message to the state that our churches will reject
the justice realignment constitutional amendment if it does not provide line
item funding for reentry and drug treatment services.
“We need
the legislature and local government to form community corrections
authorities and establish small city demonstration projects all over. God
bless clergy like Rev. Wright, Dr. Oden and Pastor Calloway who get
it. We need more like them."
Overflowing
crowds filled the sanctuary of Bethel each night to hear the Word of God
powerfully delivered by Dr. Wright whose nightly messages expanded on the
revival theme. And unlike similar events, the services uplifted spirits as well
as offered resources to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, formerly incarcerated
individuals and victims of violence and their families.
Vicky
Lindsey, Executive Director of Cry No More, was honored for her
significant work victims of violence. Also, LAM members distributed a
resource directory and conducted a resource fair after each worship
service to assist families in identifying available services.
This
revival is focused on the very ones Jesus came to minister to, the very ones
about whom He spoke of in Matthew 25 when He said, Inasmuch as you’ve done it
unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.”
“It is aimed
at those who have been kicked to the side by a society that cares about the
greedy and not the needy. That’s one of the things I salute Pastor Calloway and
Pastor Oden for doing in making the revival relevant to the community,” said
Dr. Wright.
Los
Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was among the participants
sharing information about assistance programs, noted, “The challenges facing
our community are re-entry, rehabilitation, and redemption. They are no easy
tasks and will require all of us working together.”
In
addition, representatives from the Veteran Administration, L.A. County Social
Services, LAPD, the County Sheriff's Office, and the Probation Department
were on hand.
To those
facing challenges or feeling discouraged, Dr. Wright stressed the importance of
maintaining faith in God during difficulties. He said, “To those who
are suffering now, remember the Lord is on your side.
“God
comes to set us free, to get oppressors off your back. Nobody can
ride your back if you’re standing up. That’s the Gospel you’ll
find in the Bible."
When
responding to a question as to why many people don't feel as though the church
cares, or that the church matters anymore, Wright quoted a disc jockey from
Philadelphia (where he grew up) who used to say each night as he signed off the
air: “If you don’t feel as close to God as you once did, remember which one did
the moving. God hasn’t left us. Too often we have left God!"
He then
said, "If we’re expecting some kind of fairy tale miracle
to change our situation without us working to get our situations altered or
transformed, then that’s magic, that’s not religion.”
Dr.
Wright’s comments drew repeated shouts and applause from the audience,
reflecting the success of the revival.
Echoing
that opinion, Pastor Calloway said, “I think this revival was absolutely
worthwhile. The goals and objectives we initially set are being accomplished
and people of Los Angeles have responded.
“We hope
the word will continue to spread throughout the community so people will have
several points of contact to access these services.”
Dr. Oden
added, “The revival was amazing. Not only was Dr. Wright outstanding in his
preaching and teaching - our church has been energized to work on new Re-entry
ministries and a ministry addressing families of murdered family members.”
Mrs. Jackson-Fossett (213-761-3117)
is a member of Brookins Community A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles under the
leadership of Pastor C. Dennis Williams.
15. NATIONAL BLACK
MARRIAGE DAY:
Ebenezer AME Church in Stockton,
California celebrated National Black Marriage Day on Sunday, March 25, 2012 to
reaffirm its commitment to “marriage first.”
There was no protest to wrongs committed
to the Black Community, nor support for same-sex marriage, but a proclamation
towards protecting the Black family. The distributed program for the event
included words, “Healthy marriages lead to healthy families, and healthy
families lead to healthy communities, and healthy communities lead to a healthy
country, and a healthy country leads to a healthy world,” in the theme.
While the mood was light, the
undercurrent was strong that marriage was between a man and a woman.
Nationally, the African Methodist Episcopal Church does not support same-sex
marriage, and will expel any minister that conducts such wedding.
Pursuant to the recent shooting
and subsequent protest in Sanford, Florida, Pastor Anthony Steele said to the
packed church of hundreds, “We must celebrate each other at home, before we can
protest elsewhere.” He went on to say, “Let us come together before tragedy
strikes, and not only when we are angry.”
The annual event was a mass
wedding of couples renewing their vows.
Congressman Dennis Cordoza
(D-California) sent a resolution of support for the National Black Marriage Day
celebration.
In the past, couples have even
wedded for the first time in the ceremony.
The commitment throughout those
attending was so strong that a couple, at this year’s event, was not listed on
the program but made their way into the line to be introduced as renewing their
vows with the rest of the participants.
After the ceremony, there was a
beautiful traditional wedding reception at the church with a wedding cake
donated by Raley’s supermarket.
At the reception, wedding
participant, George Moton talked about how he and his wife Florence worked
overtime to put their three children through private school to insure that they
got a good education. George concluded with “You know what? Our working
together paid off. Our children are all doing quite well in business today.”
Participants, James and Virginia
Gorman, married 46 years won the award in the ceremony for the most grandkids
with a whopping 22 grandchildren.
This annual event filled with
ring bearers, flower girls, and bridesmaids is to promote the institution and
the idea of marriage.
Regardless of the state or
federal government positions on marriage, Ebenezer AME holds that the biblical
principle of marriage is that of between a man and a woman. Though we do not
look to stop others basic civil rights, we do affirm our belief of the
institution of marriage.
The thought behind having
couples renew vows is to openly affirm marriage in the wake of 20 years of
decline in marriage across the U.S.
In California, the U.S. Census
Bureau reports that there were approximately 23,200 fewer marriages in 2009
than in 1990.
Pastor Anthony Steele is also a guest
lecturer across the country on the subject of marriage and family. His lecture
entitled “If we’re not talking about marriage, we’re not talking about
anything” is requested throughout the Faith Based community. Pastor Steele has
been at Ebenezer for a year and a half. He transferred to Stockton from
Wichita, Kansas. He is married with two children.
Ebenezer AME is the oldest
historically African-American church in the city of Stockton. It was organized
in 1850.
Submitted by the Rev. Anthony Steele who is the pastor of
Ebenezer AME Church in Stockton, California
16. THE 98TH
ANNUAL HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE THE GLOBALIZATION OF
CHRISTIANITY:
Hampton, VA – The 98th Annual
Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and 78th Annual Choir Directors’ and
Organists’ Guild Workshop will be held June 3-8th at Hampton University. The HU
Ministers' Conference is the largest gathering of interdenominational
African-American clergy in the world. This year marks the second year of a four-year
term held by Dr. Claude R. Alexander, Jr. senior pastor of University Park
Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C.
The theme for this year’s
conference is “A Global Church: Serving a Global Christ in a Global age.” The
charge of this year’s conference is to bring to the forefront local, national
and global missions. “The mandate of the church comes directly from Matthew
28:19 where Jesus gives us the Great Commission to go ye therefore and teach
all nations,” said University Chaplain Debra L. Haggins who is also the
Executive Director and Treasurer of the conference.
Bishop Noel Jones, senior pastor
of City of Refuge in Gardena, California will serve as this year’s conference
preacher.
Bishop J. Delano Ellis, II,
senior pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Christ in University Circle in
Cleveland, Ohio, will return to address the Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn, Senior
Statesman’s Hour.
Alicia Britt Chole, founding
director of Leadership Investment Intensives, will lead the annual George A.
Crawley Women in Ministry Luncheon.
Other nationally and
internationally acclaimed speakers for the conference include: The Rev. David
E. Goatley, Executive Secretary‐Treasurer of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission
Convention; Dr. Jasmin W. Sculark, senior pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church in
York, Pennsylvania; and the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, current president of the
National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
17. PAN-METHODISTS HOLD SPRING
MEETING IN FT. LAUDERDALE
By Jerry
Ruth Williams
Pan-Methodist
Commission
The
Pan-Methodist Commission held its final meeting of the 2008-2012 quadrennium in
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The meeting was
led by Bishop Alfred L. Norris, chairperson.
Hosted locally by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the meeting
began Friday, March 23 and ended on Saturday, March 24.
In addition
to the usual business sessions, the Commission visited a community agency which
supports families, men, women and children. On the afternoon of March 23, the
Commission visited the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. (BPHI), “a
non-profit organization committed to reducing homelessness by promoting
independence and self worth through advocacy, housing, and comprehensive
services.” As is the Commission’s
custom, a donation for assisting the on-going work in the war against poverty
was presented to BPHI.
Following
the tour of BPHI, the Commission members were transported to the Mt. Hermon AME Church for the enjoyment of gracious
hospitality and a delicious meal served banquet-style in the fellowship hall
completed during the 7-year tenure of Bishop John White, ecumenical officer of
the AME Church. Bishop White was elected to the episcopacy
just after the completion of that modern facility.
An
inspirational and exciting worship and communion service was held in the
sanctuary with representatives in attendance from most of the Pan-Methodist
member churches. Bishop McKinley Young, once chair of the Commission, delivered
a dynamic, soul-stirring message using John 17:11-21 which had been read by Dr.
Stephen Sidorak, General Secretary of the General Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns of The United Methodist Church. Bishop Young reminded an enthralled
congregation of what it means to be sent and how both clergy and laity are
compelled to respond to the call.
On Saturday
morning, March 24, continuing business included the finalization and adoption
of the 2012-2016 budget, and the composition of a letter to the Attorney
General of the State of Florida and to the Attorney General of the United
States. The letter expresses the
collective disdain and outrage at the murder of Trayvon Martin and the seeming
lack of concern of law enforcement officials for the apprehension and retention
of George Zimmerman. The Commission also
discussed the mounting conflict surrounding voter registration. Several members of the Social Concerns
Committee are developing a statement of concern about that issue, as well.
To mark the
conclusion of the quadrennium, Bishop Alfred Norris presented certificates of
appreciation to the Commission members.
Bishops
attending the meeting were:
Bishop
Violet Fisher (UMC)
Bishop
Kenneth Monroe (AMEZ)
Bishop
Alfred L. Norris (UMC)
Bishop
Sharon Rader, Ecumenical Officer, (UMC)
Bishop
Teresa Snorton (CME)
Bishop John
White, Ecumenical Officer, (AME)
Bishop
McKinley Young (AME)
The
Pan-Methodist Commission has as its purpose “to work to define, plan, and in cooperation
with established agencies, execute activities that foster meaningful cooperation.” The member denominations are the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the
African Union Methodist Protestant Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal
Church, the Union American Methodist Episcopal Church, and The United Methodist
Church. The Commission’s administrative secretary, Dr. Mary Love, has forwarded
a comprehensive report to each of the general conferences of the member
denominations. The report reflects the
work of the Commission spanning the last four years.
The 11th
Consultation of Methodist Bishops has been set for March 10-12, 2013 in
Atlanta, Georgia. More details are
forthcoming. Every Pan-Methodist bishop
will receive notification of the meeting.
18. TURNER MONUMENTAL AME CHURCH TO
CELEBRATE GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNITY-WIDE WORSHIP SERVICE:
Turner
Monumental AME Church will observe and celebrate Good Friday for the second
year by presenting its annual community-wide Seven Last Words of Jesus from the
Cross Worship Service. The service will
be held on April 6th at 7:00 pm.
The seven
preachers will be the Rev. Rae Fitch, pastor, Nimno, AME Church; the Rev. Charles
Maxell, founder-pastor of the Breakthrough Fellowship; the Rev. Marshall
Williams, associate minister of Israel Baptist Church; the Rev. Mark Seals,
associate minister of Beulah Baptist Church; the Rev. Ferrun Johnson,
founder-pastor, River of Life AME Church; the Rev. Dr. Monte Norwood, pastor of
Bible Way International Ministries; and the Rev. Myron Deas, pastor of
Alexander Memorial AME Church.
Also being
featured in this year’s service is the Turner Monumental Music Ministry, as
well as guest choir members from the visiting churches.
Turner
Monumental AME Church, located in the midst of a changing community, continues
to play an important role in transforming the lives of others and enhancing its
community.
Turner
offers a Food and clothing-bank, along with other outreach ministries to
address the needs of the congregation and the community.
We invite
you to join us in this evening of Worship and Praise.
Turner
Monumental AME Church is located at 66 Howard St. NE, Atlanta, Georgia. We may
be contacted at (404) 378-5970 or Email: TurnerMonumentalatlga@hotmail.com
The
ministry of Turner Monumental is led by the Rev. Bruce L. Francis, Pastor.
Submitted
by the Rev. Bruce L. Francis
19. DENOMINATIONAL LEADERS AND
PASTORS WAKE UP IN 2012 - TIME TO BRING ON THE ABSTINENCE:
Message
back to the Church and the Community
It’s time
for the Pastors and Churches to start bringing the abstinence message back to
our youth and the community.
The message
from the church must be firm but it’s confusing when high profile pastors or
leaders are practicing sexual immorality and immoral choices toward our youth.
Some teens are having sex outside of marriage, getting pregnant and some of
these events might happen at a sleep-over’s in church sponsored activities.
This should
be a wake call for pastors, church leaders and parents to start talking to our
youth about abstinence, sex and healthy relationships.
What are we
teaching our teens about abstinence in the church to prepare them for healthy
life-choices in high school, college or a marriage in the future?
By age 15
years old 87% have not had sex and 54% of teenagers’ ages 15-19 are not having
sex (Guttmacher article 2010).
So why are we
allowing organizations to teach our teens how to have sex outside of marriage?
Abstinence
funds from the government were canceled in 2010. In 2011, over 600 million
dollars have been allocated to comprehensive sex nationwide for our youth.
Comprehensive sex is not safe sex. The comprehensive sex programs in some local
schools teach teens how to have sex outside of marriage. Some organizations are
teaching teenagers sodomy and oral sex by using sex toys.
How many
programs in the church nationwide are teaching our teens how to abstain from
sex until marriage?
Read more:
Rodrick
"LOVE Architect" Glover
20. NOT EDUCATED UNTIL IN HIS AND
HER MUSIC:
*Brother
Gregory Taylor
In 2011 at
the Fisk University Founder's Day with Fisk Jubilee Singers, Dr. Reavis
Mitchell said, "The Negro has not been educated until you educate him in
his music."
This quote
is so applicable to the American African community today that I believe it
should be put in the Black Church Hymnals or published in the "Black
Heritage Bible."
Better yet
it should be put in all printed material from the past, present, and future of
the African American Community.
It may
sound outlandish to some, but I believe this could create jobs in Black publishing
houses, HBCU libraries, church libraries, and others places. People out of work
could be hired to rubber-stamp or printed labels of this quote about education
and music in all of our book collections.
What makes this quote so important?
It has
several corrective measures in it which can restore the original old spirituals
and hymns. Dr. Wyatt T. Walker said, "Singing is one of the three that
makes up The Soul of Black Worship," preaching, praying and singing. Dr.
MLK Jr. said, "Music was the Soul of the Movement."
The quote,
“The Negro has not been educated until you educate him in his music" is
the vehicle for taking our music from the memory of the 50's and 60's movement in
the streets and then putting it back into our church worship, where it is our
foundation. It also anchors us, make a path, and set the tone for worship.
Music is therapeutic, lifts our burdens, heals us, meditative, and gives
revelations, means by which our ancestry pass from one generation to the next.
Through
devotional music, you can get a mental glimpse of the other side of Jordan. The
Old Spirituals are "caught when they are sung, not taught."
The long,
loud, emotional, contemporary songs, with rocking, marching, and clapping will
not substitute for the slow seasoned songs in worship. It has been said that
you can trace "Give the Lord a hand-clap” back to the Crystal Cathedral
television broadcast; today the Crystal Cathedral is little more than a distant
memory, it is no more.
Last, the
American African Community can correct May 17, 1954 with this quote of the 21st
Century, "The Negro has not been educated until you educate him in his
music."
We need
religious education days through educating ourselves in our music and then we
can fill the need for music therapist positions in this country.
"The
Negro has not been educated until you educate him in his music." - Dr.
Reavis Mitchell.
*Brother
Gregory Taylor lives in Nashville and is a member of the Corinthian Baptist Church where the Rev Enoch
Fuzz is the pastor.
21. MID-WEEK MEDITATION BASED ON I
CORINTHIANS 12:12-26:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph
A. Darby
When I was a member
of the Greater Columbia Interfaith Clergy Association twenty years ago, our
monthly meetings included discussions of our respective holy days. One of my Christian colleagues led the
discussion as Easter approached and noted that most pastors see people in
church on Easter Sunday that they don’t see at any other time of the year.
His doing so led to
an appreciation of how much our different faiths have in common, for those
around the table quickly said that our Easter attendance experience wasn’t
unique. The Rabbis said that they saw
the same thing in their synagogues at Rosh Hashanah and the Imams said that the
same thing happens in their mosques during Ramadan.
Every faith includes
those who show up for worship on special occasions. We identify with and give extra attention to
those special days that define our religion and embrace the things that we do
on those special days. Those who make
special day worship appearances aren’t “bad” people, but they miss out on the
best that religion has to offer.
We live in a world
filled with daily challenges and aggravations that can cause us stress and
strain and make us feel that we’re fighting life’s battles alone in spite of
our successes and accomplishments. When
we practice our faith together, however, we can find new hope and strength to
face each day. When the people of God
regularly work and worship together, we really do become the family of God and
can share each other’s joys and support each other in our struggles.
Our faith is
individual and personal, but we have a God who blesses us and provides for us
each day. When we give thanks to God
through our regular worship and work, we grow spiritually and have the support
of others to assure us that we don’t walk alone. We’ll also have a new appreciation for those
who bore the burden of American slavery, but gathered in brush arbors and
praise houses and sang, “When all of God’s children get together, what a time,
what a time, what a time!”
If you are in
Charleston, South Carolina, join us for Palm Sunday Worship at 10 am on the
First Sunday in April. The Combined
Choir, Gospel Choir and Morris Brown Mass Choir will offer praise.
Sunday’s Scripture
Lessons are:
Psalm 118:15-24
I Corinthians 15:7-13
Matthew 21:1-11
Sunday’s Sermon is:
“Can You Really Praise the Lord?”
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph
A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
22. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
22. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Passing of Brenda Joyce
Kirkland, the Niece of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland
We Regret To Share News Of The
Passing Of Brenda Joyce Kirkland, The Niece Of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland,
Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District.
The Funeral for Brenda Joyce
Kirkland was held on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Hicks Mortuary, 8837 E.
Palmdale Boulevard, Palmdale, CA 93552
Condolences may be sent to Hicks
mortuary (address above) or to the office of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland:
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland
Fifth Episcopal District AMEC
4519 Admiralty Way, Suite 205
Marina Del Ray, CA 90292
(310) 577-8530 - Phone
(310) 577-8540 - Fax
23. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are profoundly saddened to
inform you of the passing of Caylen Taylor Millben, age 17 of Brampton Ontario,
much- loved son of the Rev. Cory Millben, Pastor of Grant AME Church-Toronto
and Carrie Millben and the baby brother of Antoine Millben who departed this
life unexpectedly, Friday March 23, 2012. Caylen was a student at Sandalwood
Heights Secondary School and was three months from graduation. He applied to,
and had been accepted to the Police Foundations Program at Mohawk College,
Centennial College, Sheridan College and Seneca College. He had settled on
Seneca and was starting in September. Caylen was active in the YPD (Young
Peoples Department), sound ministry and anywhere else he was needed. Constant
companion, friend and “partner in crime,” his Boston terrier
"Winston" will be absolutely lost without him.
Service arrangements for Caylen
Taylor Millben:
Family Hour - Wednesday, March
28, 2012 - 7-9 P.M.
Andrews Community Funeral Centre
- Bramalea Chapel - 8190 Dixie Road, Brampton, Ontario, Canada Phone: (905)
456-8190
Funeral - Thursday, March 29,
2012 - 9:00 A.M.
Grant African Methodist
Episcopal Church - 2029 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON
Phone: (416) 690-5169
Repast immediately following
funeral in church fellowship hall.
Interment - Thursday, March 29,
2012 - 4:00 P.M.
Central Grove African Methodist
Episcopal Church - 4005 Walker Road, Harrow ON
Phone: (519) 738-9164
In lieu of Flowers, Memorial
Donations may be made to Grant AME Church, 2029 Gerrard Street East, Toronto,
ON; phone: (416) 690-5169
Expressions of sympathy may be
emailed to:
Funeral Arrangements will be
handled by:
Giffen Mack Funeral Home and
Cremation Center
2570 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON M4C1L3
Phone: (416) 698-3121
24. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are deeply saddened to
announce the death of Brother George Henry Arnold. Brother Arnold transitioned
from this life on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. He was the beloved husband of the
Rev. Margaret Arnold, pastor of Salem AME Church in Salem, Georgia and St.
James AME Church in Arnoldsville, Georgia and In the Augusta Georgia Annual
Conference.
Even though Brother Arnold's
membership church was Good Hope Baptist Church in Good Hope, Georgia, he was a
very strong supporter of his wife and the congregations she served.
Brother Arnold leaves to mourn
his death, a very loving and devoted wife, the Rev. Margaret Arnold of Good
Hope, Georgia; four sons, Anthony Arnold, George "Glen" Arnold, David
Arnold and Derrick Arnold, all of Monroe, Georgia; four daughters, Jonice
Giles, Penny (Joseph) Knox, both of Monroe, Georgia; Norma (Michael) Little of
Snellville, Georgia and Cynthia "Lanette" (Edwin) Shelton of
Marietta, GA; 15 Grandchildren; 11 Great Grandchildren; three Brothers, Lewis
"Gene" (Lamptine) Arnold Of Augusta, Georgia; Bobby and James (Ruth)
Boyd, both of Monroe, Georgia; two Sisters Virginia (John) Crawford of Monroe,
Georgia And Sarah (Herbert) Myles of San Antonio, Texas; one special cousin,
Olivia "Sweet Pea" Keys of Chicago, Illinois; a host of nieces,
nephews, relatives and friends.
The "Family Hour" will
be held Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 at the Young Funeral Home Located at 125
Washington Street in Monroe, Georgia from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
The phone number for the funeral
home is 770-267-2542.
The Homegoing Celebration will
be held Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Good Hope Baptist Church Located at 176
Highway 83 South in Good Hope, Georgia
Beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Presiding Elder Ella Mae Samuels
will preside and the Rev. Lemuel Billingsley, Pastor, will serve as the
eulogist.
Online Condolences May Be Shared
With The Family At:
Cards and other Condolences may
be sent to the Rev. Margaret Arnold, 2900 Chandler Road, Good Hope, GA 30641
The final arrangements for
Brother George Henry Arnold have been entrusted to:
Hanley-Shelton Funeral Home
473 Lawrence Street
Marietta, Georgia 30060
Phone: 770-428-6333
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the
passing of George Moses Blanding, the uncle of the Rev. Brenda D. Ford, pastor
at Mt. Olive AME Church in Port Washington, New York (New York Conference,
Jamaica/Long Island District). The following information has been provided
regarding homegoing arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral - Thursday,
March 29, 2012
Viewing - 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
Homegoing - 10:00 A.M.
Benta's Funeral Home
630 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY 10030
Phone: 212-281-8850
Fax: 212-234-3600
The Rev. Brenda D. Ford,
Officiating
Interment Will Be At:
Calverton National Cemetery
210 Princeton Blvd.
Calverton, New York 11933-1031
Phone: 631-727-5410
Fax: 631-369-4397
Condolences May Be Sent To:
The Rev. Brenda D. Ford
120-19 228th Street
Cambria Heights, NY 11411
26. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the
passing of Mrs. Mattie Cunningham, the sister of the Rev. Menjou Miller, pastor
Of Sulphur Spring AME Church in Cunningham, Tennessee.
Service arrangements for Mrs.
Mattie Cunningham:
Public Viewing: Tuesday, March
27, 2012
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Robert E. Lewis Memorial Chapel
2500 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37208-1060
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Family Visitation: 11:00 AM
Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon
Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist
Church
2448 Herman Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37208
Phone: (615) 329-1063
Professional Services Are
Entrusted To:
Lewis & Wright Funeral
Directors
2500 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37208-1060
Phone: (615) 255-2371
Fax: (615) 255-4926
Expressions of sympathy may be
sent in care of the family of Mrs. Mattie Cunningham to Lewis & Wright
Funeral Directors (Address Above).
Or to:
The Rev. & Mrs. Menjou
Miller and Family
813 Oneida Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37207
Phone: (615) 226-1248
27. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing
of the Rev. Rogers William Driver, Jr., Local Elder at Lee Chapel AME Church in
Nashville, Tennessee; the Rev. Edward Lee Thompson, pastor.
The Rev. Rogers William Driver,
Jr. was survived by one son, William B. Driver; four grandchildren, Anthony
(Kimberly), Jeanitra, Somalita and Damani; five great-grandchildren; devoted
daughter-in-law, Delois Driver; two sisters; two sisters-in-law; other
relatives and friends.
Services for Rev. Driver Were
Held:
Friday, March 23, 2012 - 12:00
Noon
Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church
1732 Scovel Street
Nashville, Tennessee
The Rev. Edward Lee Thompson,
Officiated
Professional Services Were
Entrusted To:
Lewis & Wright Funeral
Directors
2500 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37208-1060
Phone: (615) 255-2371
Fax: (615) 255-4926
Interment: Greenwood
"Main" Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee
Expressions of sympathy may be
sent to:
The Family of Rev. Rogers W.
Driver
3501 Geneva Circle
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
28. CORRECTED CLERGY
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Clergy Family Information
Center verified the service information for Sister Geneva Thomas prior to
posting.
There Are Two Locations For The
Corbin Colonial Funeral Chapel.
(1) Corbin Colonial Funeral
Chapel
5345 W Madison Street
Chicago, Illinois 60644
(2) Corbin Colonial Funeral
Chapel
1001 Madison St.
Maywood, IL 60153
(708) 410-0287
Sister Geneva Thomas, mother of
the Rev. Lisa Marie Thomas, pastor of Solid Rock AME Church in Bolingbrook, Illinois
and the Rev. Derrick Thomas, Services Were Entrusted to Corbin Colonial Funeral
Chapel, 1001 Madison St., Maywood, IL 60153.
29. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
“Jesus Loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong; they are weak but He is strong!"
With that assurance, Baby Raelin
Fields, the infant daughter of Randy and April Fields took “flight" to
Heaven to be with the Lord on Monday afternoon.
She is the granddaughter of
Presiding Elder Marcellus and Brenda Fields of the Oklahoma State, East
District. Raelin, a real joy to her mommy, daddy and to all those who know and
cared for her, only lived to be 11 months 16 days old, and spent most of this
time in the hospital. Katie, her 5-year old sister loved her dearly; and
because of that love, Katie is happy to know Baby Raelin is now an angel in
Heaven!
The Funeral Service will be
held:
Thursday, March 29, 2012, 11:00
a.m.
Saint James AME Church
700 North Main Street
Arcadia, OK 73007
Messages of Condolence may be
sent to her family below:
Randy and April Fields (Parents)
3208 SW 82
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
Presiding Elder Marcellus &
Brenda Fields (Grandparents)
12905 N Triple XXX
Luther, OK 73054
We thank you in advance for
remembering the Fields family in your thoughts, prayers, and deeds during this
time of sorrow, reflection, and adjustment, as they collectively, (even now)
give God thanks and praise for their precious Raelin
30.
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
31. 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.
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
31. 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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