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
AMEC Connectional
Day of Prayer – Friday, April 13, 2012
April is National Minority Health Month!
Ascension Day – May 17, 2012
Pentecost – May 27, 2012
1. EDITORIAL – MILITARY, VETERAN
AFFAIRS AND FEDERAL PRISON CHAPLAINS ARE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY OF THE
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th
Editor, The Christian Recorder
I am
writing this editorial to enlighten every AME about the military chaplaincy,
Veterans Affairs and federal prison chaplaincies.
I am
also writing this editorial for those who might be thinking about the
chaplaincy as a viable ministry, but I am also writing it as a reminder for
those who are presently in the chaplain ministry.
When I entered the military chaplaincy, I
heard statements that I had left the ministry. People said that I had left the
Church. Ten years earlier I had heard the same comments made about Chaplain
(Colonel-Retired) John DeVeaux when he became an Army chaplain, so I wasn’t
surprised to hear the same comments made about me.
I had not left the ministry. As a matter of fact, I had enlarged my
ministry. Admittedly, the chaplaincy is
not for everyone. But it was a “good fit” for me because I enjoyed providing
ministry for congregations and units that had a large numbers of young adults
and families. Military installations are filled with children and our children
loved living on military installations.
I had an opportunity to minister to a
diverse community as well, as to soldiers and families who had been members of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
It was amazing, when those who were or had
been members of the AME Church, attended chapel services that I conducted,
whether the Main Post Chapel at Fort Bragg or a Gospel service (mostly African
American) at Fort Richardson, Alaska or Fort Hood, Texas, when greeting me
after the service would almost always say, “I can tell that you are AME…” Many of the white parishioners would remark,
“Are you Methodist?” I never lost my
spiritual or denominational identity – I was AME!
When I first entered the chaplaincy, I was
often the first chaplain of color many of the black soldiers had seen.
The military chaplaincy also gave me and my
family opportunities to see parts of the world that we might not have ever
seen. The Army chaplaincy also gave me an opportunity to jump out of airplanes;
I made 86 parachute jumps from airplanes and helicopters.
Chaplains are members of the
clergy
The chaplaincy at its best is served by men
and women clergy who maintain their spiritual and denominational identities.
I was always an AME chaplain and I always
remembered The Christian Recorder columns written
by Chaplain Carroll Chambliss who expressed his love for the AME Church and
when I entered the chaplaincy, I was determined to maintain my commitment to
the AME Church. I was encouraged by Chaplain John A. DeVeaux, Jr., Chaplain Lee
Cousin, Chaplain Kenneth White, Chaplain I.V. Tolbert, Chaplain W. O. Gillard
and other senior AME Chaplains.
Army chaplains are governed by Army
regulations, Navy and Marine chaplains are governed by Navy regulations and Air
Force chaplains are governed under Air Force regulations.
I want to share some things about the
chaplaincy in the context of the Army chaplaincy, but since military chaplains
of all of the services serve under the Department of Defense, my comments are
applicable to all of the uniformed services.
Background
The United States Army Chaplaincy is
governed by Army Regulation 165–1, Religious Support, Army
Chaplain Corps Activities. AR 165-1 applies to activities, religious
ministries, Chaplain and Chaplain Assistant personnel, Chaplain recruitment,
the Chaplain Candidate Program, policy development, mobilization and readiness,
training, moral leadership, management of information, logistics, and
resources. The regulation applies to the Active and Reserve Components.
The Bottomline Upfront:
A military chaplain who is a member of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church serves at the pleasure of the Ecclesiastical
Endorsing Agent (Bishop John F. White).
The Endorsing Agent for any chaplain of any
denomination is the most important person to the chaplain because a chaplain’s
ecclesiastical endorsement can be withdrawn at any time for any reason; or for
no reason. It is important for a chaplain to maintain a healthy relationship
with his or her endorsing agent.
There is no recourse in the military to
overturn the decision of the ecclesiastical endorsing agent when a chaplain’s
ecclesiastical endorsement is withdrawn. The reason for the withdrawal of
ecclesiastical endorsement does not have to be provided to the military. When a
chaplain’s endorsement is withdrawn the chaplain must immediately cease from
all religious activities, performance of rites, ceremonies, services, pastoral
counseling, and other religious duties.”
Army Regulation 165.1, Chapter 8–9 entitled
Loss/change of ecclesiastical endorsement
says, “All Chaplains are required to have on file with
Office of the Chief of Chaplains an Ecclesiastical Endorsement (Department of
Defense Form 2088) submitted for them by an Armed Forces Chaplain Board Listed Endorsing
Agent (In the case of the AME Church, Bishop John F. White). If an Endorsing Agent withdraws a Chaplain’s ecclesiastical
endorsement, then the officer must immediately cease from all religious
activities, that is, performance of rites, ceremonies, services, pastoral
counseling, and so forth. Under no circumstances will the Chaplain perform any
Chaplain functions without a valid ecclesiastical endorsement.”
The regulation goes on to state, “A withdrawal of ecclesiastical endorsement is official when a
Chaplain’s Endorsing Agent notifies the Chief of Chaplains of the loss of
endorsement in writing.”
Military and other federal chaplains serve
in the military, Veteran Affairs and in the federal prison system at the
pleasure of the religious denomination, under which they serve. Their
endorsements can be withdrawn at any time.
The regulation makes a strong point: “Chaplains come from the ranks of professional religious leaders who
volunteer to serve in a military setting. The Chaplains remain accountable to
their Endorsers in all matters pertaining to the continued maintenance of their
credentials while they perform religious functions in the Army. If a Chaplain
does something to jeopardize the religious credentials, the sponsoring agency
may withdraw its endorsement. A Chaplain can no longer function as a Chaplain
when an endorsement is withdrawn, and separation from service actions must
begin. Chaplains must maintain a healthy relationship with their respective
Endorsers while serving in the Army.”
From an AME perspective
An applicant for the chaplaincy should be
in regular and good standing in his or her annual conference.
An applicant for the chaplaincy should get
a letter of recommendation from his or her presiding prelate; and the AME Endorsing
Agent (Bishop John F. White) does not endorse any applicant who cannot, or
refuses to get a letter of recommendation from his or her presiding
prelate. All chaplains must be in good
and regular standing in their annual conferences and with the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
A chaplain on active duty should maintain
an active relationship with his or her annual conference. An AME Chaplain is an itinerant elder and is
a part of the active ministry of his or her annual conference.
As a member of the annual conference,
chaplains should contribute to all of the offerings as the other pastors in the
annual conference are required to do. At a minimum, chaplains should contribute
to all of the offerings of the annual conference, the mid-year meeting,
Founder’s Day and any other episcopal district meetings. Chaplains are pastors
and their stewardship obligations to include the disciplinary tithing
requirement are the same for chaplains as it is for every other pastor in the
annual conference.
When they are stationed is areas that have
AME Churches, they should attend an AME Church when they are not engaged in
on-post ministry.
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
As stated in Army Regulation 165-1, If an
AME Chaplain does something to jeopardize his or her religious credentials, “the sponsoring agency” (Bishop John F. White) may withdraw the AME Church’s endorsement.
For instance, if an AME Chaplain performs
or participates in a religious ceremony that is contrary to The Discipline or announces that he or she no longer
considers themselves a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the
Endorsing Agent (Bishop John F. White) must withdraw the endorsement of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church.
When an ecclesiastical endorsement is
withdrawn, if the chaplain’s AME ordination papers are valid, the chaplain
should be instructed to report to his or her presiding bishop to be considered
for a pastoral appointment.
Chaplains
who have their ecclesiastical endorsements withdrawn have the option to “Seek a new ecclesiastical endorsement from an AFCB Listed Endorsing
Agent. If another ecclesiastical endorsement is not obtained, the Chaplain will
undergo involuntary separation…”
As
far as the Department of Defense is concerned, the Endorsing Agent is the
bottomline authority for a chaplain’s credentials and is the authority for
whether a chaplain remains a military chaplain.
The Bishops’ Council has no official
authority with the Department of Defense; the AMEC Endorsing Agent (Bishop John
F. White) is the accredited denominational representative with the Department
of Defense.
AME Chaplains are members of the clergy and
they have not “left the ministry or the AME Church.” Military, Veteran Affairs, and federal prison
chaplains are representatives of, and extensions of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
*Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th
Editor of The Christian Recorder is a retired Chaplain (Colonel), United States
Army
2. RENT A SCOOTER OR WHEELCHAIR FOR THE AMEC 49TH QUADRENNIAL
SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Scootaround
is proud to be the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental
service for the AMEC 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that
will be held June 26 - July 4, 2012 at the Opryland Gaylord Resort and
Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee
While Scootaround will make every effort to accommodate all needs,
you are encouraged to reserve in advance!
To
reserve your equipment call toll free 1 888 441 7575. We are happy to accept
Visa, American Express and MasterCard for all rentals!
Call
Today 1-888-441-7575
TCR
Editor’s Note: The Opryland Gaylord Resort and Convention Center is a large
facility and if you think that you are going to need a scooter, you need to
take care of the rental ASAP. I
understand that scooters may be limited.
3. LETTER FROM BISHOP JULIUS
MCALLISTER, PRESIDING PRELATE OF THE 20TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
April
10, 2012
My dear
Friends:
Greetings
with the joy of Jesus! I trust all is well with you and your family.
I am
contacting you because I, again, need your assistance. Mrs. McAllister, several
of our friends, and I are working very hard trying to get our delegates to the
General Conference. It is a real
struggle raising the necessary funds.
As you
may know, the General Church has drastically reduced the travel and
sustentation allowances for overseas districts.
My delegation will receive $29,325.00 from the General Church. We are experiencing a deficit of $51,862.65,
and we have about three and one half weeks to raise it. Airline tickets must be purchased, and
registration and lodging must be paid by that time. If we do not come up
with the needed funds, many of my delegates will be unable to attend the
General Conference.
I have
asked our General Conference delegates to contribute financially towards
their expenses. As of April 10, only $3,000.00 has been collected. That
amount came from Zimbabwe. The people in my District are really
struggling financially, especially in Malawi. The Malawians will not be
able to contribute anything financially towards the delegation's
budget. In addition to the contribution towards their expenses, we ask
that they be responsible for their own transportation from their places of
residence to Johannesburg, South Africa. Those delegates living in the
North and South Malawi Annual Conferences must travel eight hours by bus to
Lilongwe, Malawi, and then travel two days by bus to Johannesburg. The
plight of our delegates in the Central Malawi Annual Conference is slightly different,
only in that they save five hours travel time to Lilongwe.
Five of
our delegates from Malawi could not even afford to pay either the travel cost
to the U. S. A. Embassy in Lilongwe or the cost of securing a passport and U.
S. A. Visa. Three of our presiding elders from Malawi, one of whom served
on the Episcopal Committee at the last General Conference and our episcopal lay
president will not be able to attend the General Conference for those reasons
unless they receive some help from us. The financial situation in
Zimbabwe is not much better.
I
really, really regret having to appeal to you for help, because you have
generously assisted my District in the past.
The reality is that I have no others to turn to but friends such as you. I am not asking for a specific amount;
whatever size of financial contribution you can give will be very much
appreciated.
You may
make your check payable to the 20th Episcopal District and send it to the
address below.
Bishop
Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
2710
Olde Mill Road
Florence,
South Carolina 29505
Thank
you for your anticipated support.
Sincerely,
Bishop
Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
4. MCAM SEEKS SINGERS, ACTORS AND
VOLUNTEERS FOR THE GENERAL CONFERENCE EXALTED CONCERT
PERFORMANCE:
*The Rev. Anthony B. Vinson, Sr.
MCAM seeks adult/youth/young adult choir
singers, actors and volunteers for the 49th Quadrennial General
Conference EXALTED concert performance.
An International Ministry of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church
The Music and Christian Arts Ministry of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church (MCAM) is proud to present EXALTED! A Concert of Music, Dance & Drama at the 2012
General Conference on Tuesday, July 3rd at 8:00 p.m. in the Delta Ballroom of
the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.
MCAM currently seeks 300 adult choir
singers, 200 youth/young adult singers, 200 dancers, 50 actors and 100
volunteers (to serve as stage hands, production assistants, ushers and
greeters) from across the connectional church worldwide for the EXALTED concert.
The concert will feature performances under
the direction of MCAM’s dynamic team of Directors. Barbara Bouie, MCAM Director
of Choirs (11th Episcopal District), past Worship Leader of the
International WMS and Director of the Edward Waters College Concert Choir;
David N. Mitchell, MCAM Drama Director (6th Episcopal District) who
has had an extensive 27 year career in drama, recipient of the Irene S.
Ryan Best Actor Award of the American College Theatre Festival; Adrian L. Dunn,
MCAM Youth/Young Adult Director (4th Episcopal District), an accomplished
singer, composer, conductor for HOPERA: A Hip Hop Opera. He has sang, directed
and presented workshops in the USA, Italy, England, Germany, and Finland was
nominated for “Best Music Director” from the BTAA Awards; the Rev.
Stephanie Butler Adams, MCAM Director of Liturgical Dance (5th
Episcopal District) has studied under renown choreographers including the
Martha Graham School of Dance (NYC) and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
(NYC). She has ministered in Sacred
Dance alongside a host of renowned Gospel Artists.
Register Today at www.MCAMAME.com to minister in Dance, Drama, Adult or Youth/Young Adult Choir at EXALTED!
Or be an MCAM General Conference Volunteer. You don’t want to miss out on this
amazing concert experience.
*The Rev. Anthony B. Vinson, Sr. is the Director, Music and Christian Arts Ministry, AME Church
5.
PHOTOGRAPHS / VIDEOS NEEDED FOR AMEC DOCUMENTARY PROJECT, ECHOES FROM THE
GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Dear Members of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church,
We are working on an
exciting documentary project that will chronicle the historical highlights of
the General Conference as a part of The Anvil, the annual resource guide of the
Council of Bishops. This film, the documentary, “Echoes from
the General Conference” will air at the forthcoming General Conference
in Nashville, Tennessee in June 2012. The documentary will look back at the
General Conference and will highlight some of the most transformative events of
recent memory.
We are in need of your
photographs or good-quality videos to complete this project. While we will be
happy with photos from any General Conference, we are especially looking for
the following:
• General Conferences from
1940 to the present
• Election and Consecration
of Bishops
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
visit in 1964
• Visit of President Richard
Nixon’s brother in 1972
• Visit of Jesse Jackson in
1984
• Visit of other
presidential candidates, including President Barak Obama
• Images of the hallways and
the conference floor
• The Rev. Martha Scott and
other pioneer women who ran for Bishop
• Images of delegations from
Episcopal Districts 14 - 20
• Images of members of “The
Brotherhood” from the 1950s
• Images of election process
over the years
• Images of the youth of the
General Conference
Please send all photos by
email to The Anvil, 13th Episcopal District, 500 8th Avenue South,
Suite 201, Nashville, Tennessee 37203 or email the 13th_episcopal@bellsouth.net.
Please send a signed copy of
the release form below along with your photos.
Bishop Vashti Murphy
McKenzie
Chair, Quadrennial Theme
Committee
Council of Bishops
Image-Use
Release Form
I, __________________,
hereby attest that I am the owner of the photograph(s). I freely grant The Anvil irrevocable
permission to publish this image, in whole or in part in the documentary about
the history of the General Conference, without remuneration. I warrant that
said picture is free of any abuse of copyright law. I will hold harmless the
aforementioned The Anvil from any liability by virtue of any distortion or
alteration unless it can be proven that such alterations and or distortions
were done with malicious intent. I have read and fully understand the contents
of this release. I declare that I am over the age of 18 years, and am fully
competent to sign this release on my own behalf.
Printed Name
_______________________________
Written Signature
________________________Date______
6. AN EXCITING RETIREMENT CELEBRATION FOR BISHOP
C. GARNETT HENNING, SR, AND SUPERVISOR ERNESTINE LEE HENNING:
Bishop C. Garnett Henning Minister,
Visionary and Activist and his wife, Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning were honored
for their legacy of luminary leadership.
The gala event was held at the Renaissance Columbus (Ohio) Downtown
Hotel on March 30, 2012.
Bishop Henning and Supervisor Ernestine
Henning were honored in words, music, and presentations. Friends, family, clergy, and parishioners
came from far and near to share their memories and accolades for the Hennings.
Musical and video tributes were given and the evening was filled with memories
and appreciative recollections of the ministry of Bishop and Supervisor
Henning.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr.
Since the late 70s, the Rt. Rev. C. Garnett
Henning's vision, ministry and leadership have been respected in the United
States and on the continent of Africa. His ministry has been highly regarded
among clergy, elected officials and activists. As a young minister his
passionate and effective Christian advocacy in Los Angeles and St. Louis were
instrumental in winning battles against discrimination. His advocacy for
economic, social and political justice for blacks and other minorities have
been the hallmarks of his ministry. He has been a forceful fighter in areas of
police brutality, housing, quality education and employment.
From the mid to late 70s in Los Angeles,
while pastor of Ward AME church; he served as Executive Vice-President,
President and Chairman of the Board of SCLC-West. He also served as a member of
the city's Housing Authority for seven years and as president for two years.
In St. Louis, where he was the pastor of
St. Paul AME Church, the Mother Church west of the Mississippi River; his distinctive
leadership style and activism were beneficial for the poor and
dispossessed. During his pastorate in
St. Louis, he founded the Committee for Equal Justice, an organization that
exposed corruption in the Bail Bond system, a program that provided leadership
for the eventual establishment of the Pre-Trial Release Program, which allowed
qualified applicants to be released prior to trial without posting a financial
bond.
Bishop Henning also founded the Black
Clergy Coalition which gave valuable leadership to Black ecumenical
cooperation, economic development and political empowerment. He served for
several years as Chairperson of the Political Action Committee. Bishop Henning
also founded the Superintendent Advisory Committee, a committee that interacted
with the Superintendent of Education on matters related to quality education
for the people of St. Louis and particularly the African American community.
Bishop Henning served as Executive Director
of Block Partnership a program that brought together the inner-city and
suburban churches and other organizations in programs of partnership for
empowerment. His congregation also participated in a summer exchange program
with city and county churches called Parish Partners.
His abilities and contributions gained even
wider recognition with his 1992 election as the 112th Bishop of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church and his assignment as Presiding Prelate of the 14th
Episcopal District, which comprises Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and
Cote d’Ivoire.
While serving as the Presiding Prelate of
the 14th District, despite the civil war which was being fought in
Liberia, Bishop Henning established AME University, an institution that now has
a student enrollment in excess of fifteen hundred students. He also established
the C. G. Henning, Jr. Memorial Institute in Danane', Cote d’Ivoire, a refugee
area. The school is still in operation.
In 1996, Bishop Henning took the helm of
the 19th Episcopal District, South Africa. He was a forceful leader
among the bishops and lay leaders in support of indigenous leadership in
Africa. While in South Africa, he completely modernized the H. B. Senatle
Headquarters Building's office operations and built and paid for the C. G.
Henning, Sr. wing, which was dedicated in 1998.
From 1996-2000, Bishop Henning served as
Chairman of the AME Church's Commission on Women and Ministry which provided a
platform for his long-time advocacy for the election of a woman to the
Episcopacy. In 2000, while he was Chairperson of the Commission on Women in
Ministry, Bishop Vashti McKenzie was elected and consecrated the first female
bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop Henning speaks forcefully and freely
of his vision for full empowerment of women in the life of the denomination. He
believes the greatest calls one can receive is the call to empower others,
particularly in self development.
In 1998, he funded an eight-member
delegation of Women in Ministry to the United States, from South Africa, and
provided them with opportunities for travel and preaching throughout the
country. He ordained, assigned and promoted more women than any other bishop in
the history of the 19th Episcopal District.
Bishop Henning has dedicated more than 20
parsonages and churches that were built or renovated under his administration
and started more than 50 AME congregations in South Africa between 1996 and
2000.
Bishop Henning is a native of Memphis,
Tennessee, a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Memphis, Tennessee,
received his B.S. Degree from Wilberforce University and the M. Div. Degree
from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. He also completed the
course work for the D. Min degree at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster
Groves, Missouri.
He has received numerous awards, honors and
recognitions for civic, social, religious and political contributions to the
communities where he served.
He was the presiding bishop of the Eighth
Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal District (2000-2008)
which includes the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. While serving the 8th
Episcopal District, Bishop Henning was vocal about his views regarding the
Confederate flag that flies over Mississippi state capitol.
On Friday, July 11, 2008, Bishop C. Garnett
Henning, Sr., was assigned by the 48th Session of the General Conference of the
AME Church to the 3rd Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, which is composed of Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. As a
graduate of Wilberforce University and Payne Seminary, he brings renewed
emphasis on our educational institutions. As a community activist, we will be
seeking ways for our communities to be strengthened spiritually, politically,
socially and economically.
Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning
Supervisor Ernestine Lee Henning graduated
from Manassas High School in Memphis, Tennessee and completed her undergraduate
studies at Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis. She also attended the Theater
Institute at Brandeis University in Waltham Massachusetts.
She did further graduate studies at the
University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Supervisor Henning has a long history of
commitment, not only for her personal education, but also to the education of
thousands of young people as an English teacher in the high schools of
Lawrence, Kansas; St. Louis, Missouri; Los Angeles, California; and at Kansas
University.
Supervisor Henning is also respected as a
fierce opponent of injustice and is recognized at the Civil Rights Museum in
Memphis, Tennessee and by the NAACP for her role in the desegregation of the
Memphis Libraries and other public facilities.
She has traveled worldwide providing basic
needs such as clean water to Africa and is chairperson of the Board for Water
for Children Africa.
She has demonstrated and marched in many
causes and has been effective as a soldier for human rights, women's rights and
racial equality.
Supervisor Ernestine Henning is passionate
about her involvement and has a spirit of boldness in addressing issues of
injustice.
She also works to improve the economy of
the black community as founder of The Richard Allen Foundation.
She is the founder of black child adoptions
programs and strongly supports Historical Black Colleges/Universities as the
initiator of Black College Expos in several cities.
Her major projects in the 3rd
Episcopal District:
- Missions to Africa for clean water
installations, medical and school supplies
- Black College Expo
- Great Books and Great Authors: Fair and
Forum
- Emancipated Foster Youth Support Program
- Recruitment Program for Wilberforce
University
7. WARD AME CHURCH, LOS ANGELES
MALE CHORUS WINS FIRST PLACE IN MALE CHORUS COMPETITION:
SIStah "Jackie" Dupont-Walker
The Golden State Grand Chapter Order of the
Eastern Star, P.H.R.A. - State of California Gethsemane Chapter #62 sponsored
its first Male Chorus Competition today in Los Angeles at the Regency
West. A "sold out" crowd
clapped, sang along, and gave praises while Judges Justi Embree, Dominique
Karan, and Leo Vaugh remained objective. The music was uplifting, the singers
enthusiastic, and there was no doubt that the competition would be stiff.
Invited by Chairwoman Rhonda Payne, Music
Director Ron Lowe gladly accepted and…Ward's Male Chorus decked in black
slacks, pale yellow vests and ties and white crisply ironed shirts demonstrated
the multi-talented voices with five soloists in three songs. The tambourines accentuated the musical
accompaniment of the guitar, drums, and keyboard. Heard clearly were the first tenors thru to the
earth shaking basses, but more than anything else, they ministered with a sincerity
of praise offering that left all gathered wondering how to hear them
again......after the competition. I was
so proud of the church where I worship and Rev. Joseph Nixon serves as
shepherd.
When the judges came forth the render the
final word - Ward AME Church Males Chorus was the first place winner and was
awarded $1,000. Watch out Ward, the city
of Los Angeles now knows that the Male Chorus sings on the 4th Sundays, so your
"favorite" seat may be taken by the first arrivers
Ward Male Chorus and Musical Director Ron
Lowe witnessed for God and evangelized for Ward AME Church. “Thank you” for letting God use you and
congratulations on receiving First Place at this inaugural event!!
The Rev. Joseph C. Nixon, Pastor
Brother Ron Lowe, Music Director
Reported by SIStah "Jackie"
Dupont-Walker
8.
A LEGEND, A PIONEER – “MR. SAINT PETER” - A GIANT OAK TREE IN FORT VALLEY HAS
FALLEN! MR. JOSIAH PHELPS:
Brother Alphonso
Varner
"As we walk this Christian
journey.
Let us keep our armour bright.
Let us works be pure and holy
That we stand within Thy sight.
Laymen soldiers, strong in unity
and love.
Laymen soldiers, strong in unity
and love."
This is the third verse of the Connectional Lay Hymn that our deceased
Layman Soldier (Brother Josiah Phelps) loves so dearly.
A
Celebration of the Life of Mr. Josiah Phelps, 92 was held to an overflowing
gathering of family and friends Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 12:00 noon at his
beloved Saint Peter AME Church in Fort Valley, Georgia.
The
Reverend Bertram C. Smith, Pastor Officiated and delivered the Eulogy.
Josiah
Phelps, affectionately called "Mr. Saint Peter," among his AME peers,
was born in Dixie (Brooks County), Georgia, February 29, 1920 to the late Mr.
Charlie Lee and Mrs. Ella Hall Phelps. He was a long time resident of Fort
Valley (Peach County), Georgia.
Phelps
served his Country honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He
received a B.S. degree in Agricultural Education from the Fort Valley State
(College) University.
Phelps
distinguished career in Agriculture on the local, state and national levels
spanned more than thirty nine years mostly employed by the Georgia State
Department of Education, Vocational Division. (Offices held in the NFA, FFA,
Director, Camp John Hope).
Josiah
Phelps was inducted into three Halls of Fame:
Georgia
Agricultural Education Hall of Fame as a Chartered Member;
Georgia
Agricultural Hall of Fame; both honors were bestowed on him at the University
of Georgia.
Fort
Valley State University Hall of Fame
Numerous
honors and awards bestowed upon him, local, state and national.
Phelps was
a life member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Phelps was
a committed, loyal and hardworking church member and the epitome of a Christian
man. During his years at Saint Peter AME Church, he effectively served as
treasurer of the church for forty years, held Emeritus status with the Trustee
Board and President-Emeritus of the Lay Organization, held membership in the
Church School, Christian Education, Sons of Allen, Finance Committee, others.
- He
served as Parliamentarian with the Macon District Lay Organization;
- Elected
as an Electoral College Delegate to the General Conference in 1992;
- Elected
several times as a Delegate from the Macon Conference Lay Organization to the
Connectional Lay Biennial Conventions.
He leaves
to cherish his memory, his spouse of sixty-one years, Mrs. Ethel Dillard
Phelps; daughter, Dr. Rosemary E. Phelps; sister Cora Lee Wooten of Buffalo,
NY; fourteen nieces, eight nephews, five cousins; and a host of great and
great-great nieces, nephews, other relatives, mentees and friends.
A
Legend a Pioneer - Mr. Saint Peter - A Giant Oak Tree in Fort Valley has
fallen!
9. HOW
BLESSED WE WERE:
*Exhorter Doris J.
Coffey
The Kentucky Conference Women in Ministry
(KYWIM) were blessed on April 13-14, 2012 at a Women In Ministry Retreat in
Estill County, Irvine, Kentucky.
The retreat began early Friday morning with
registration and a continental breakfast. The theme for the Retreat was
“Spiritual Warfare into Spiritual Well-Fare.”
10:00 a.m. - The first presentation
featured the Rev. Louise Spencer, the Supply Pastor of Wayman Chapel AME Church
in Barbourville, Kentucky. A native of
Huntsville, Alabama and presently attending Asbury University, she is the
Church School Superintendent of the Kentucky Annual Conference. Her topic was
“The Mind is a Terrible Place to be,” a thought-provoking and soul-searching
presentation.
Evangelist Lillie B. Lewis-Prude, an
anointed teacher an Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God In Christ
(COGIC) Inc. of East St. Louis, Illinois.
Her Topic was “Spiritual Malady” a highly spirited and engaging
presentation. She is the mother of the Rev. Avis Thompson.
Evangelist Cassandra Gray, New Mt. Zion
Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky, a dynamic gifted speaker, teacher,
lecturer, counselor and workshop conference leader presented “Worship – Rules
of Life According to…,” an excellent and enlightening presentation.
The evening ended with Spiritual Warfare
Games hosted by Exhorter Doris Coffey of Historic St. Paul AME Church in
Lexington and a huge campfire under the auspices of the Rev. Avis Thompson with
roasted hotdogs, marshmallows, songs of praise and prayers.
The retreat was held at the Cathedral
Domain in Irvine, Kentucky and we were truly in God’s Country, but blessed with
nature and lots fresh air and country trails.
Saturday 7:00 a.m. – “Morning has
broken…Praise with elation, praise every morning, God's recreation of the new
day” - Morning Glory with the Prayer Warriors.
Following a scrumptious breakfast of bacon,
eggs, apples, grits, biscuits and fruit we began with Sister Charliese Brown
Lewis, of St. Paul AME Church in Versailles, Kentucky. She is currently serving as the Director of
the Emerging Scholars Program. Her Topic
was “It is Well: Winning the War in the Workplace.” She shared various examples of what can or
have happened in the workplace with scriptures woven within the context of her
presentation. A very interesting and
reflective presentation and having served in numerous capacities throughout
the Kentucky Conference, she is Minister of Music,
Coordinator of the Women’s Fellowship Ministry and Assistant YPD Director at
St. Paul AME Church in Versailles, Kentucky.
The Closing Meditation “Waiting to Exhale”
was presented by the First Lady of the Lexington District, the Reverend Maxine
L. Thomas, assistant pastor of Historic St. Paul AME Church in Lexington. Her Sermon title was “Exhale and Be
Still.” Nobody, nobody, preaches like
“Rev. Max” as we affectionately call her in the KY Annual Conference. She is the President of the 13th
Episcopal District Women In Ministry of the AME Church and Dean of the Board of
Examiners of the Kentucky Annual Conference.
She is an adjunct Professor at Midway College in Midway, Kentucky where
she teaches World Religions and Social Ethics.
The KYWIM Retreat came to a close at 3:00
p.m. and no one wanted to leave and good-byes were long; “Thank you,” see you,
and email addresses were exchanged; and “call me” could be heard throughout the
campgrounds.
It was voted unanimously that we will meet
again next year in God’s country for another time of renewal, rejuvenation,
repentance, revival, restoration, regeneration, refreshing, replenishment and
relaxation. We will never be the same!
Descending down the “mountain”
caravan-style, honking horns, hands waving and shouts of “Be Safe” could be
heard. Praise God we all made it safely
back to our destinations.
We praise and thank God for our Coordinator
of KYWIM, the Rev. Stephanie M. Raglin who in the midst of wedding plans took
the time to plan this retreat – It was truly a Blessing!
*Exhorter Doris J. Coffey is the Reporter
for KYWIM
10. WE
ARE NOT WHERE WE WANT TO BE:
An
Open Letter on Diversity by Lt Col Mark “Chappie” Smith
In
1987, I raised my right hand and swore to "Support and Defend the
Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and
domestic." On that day, I became dedicated to our principles of Freedom,
Justice and Equality, and joined the greatest Fighting Force ever known to mankind,
the United States Air Force.
I once
read that the "USAF Aims High and achieves mission excellence in part
because of our Diversity." Our Air Force opens windows of opportunity
through diversity and builds a melting pot where various life experiences,
cultural assortments, socioeconomic and educational variances, and a broad view
of theoretical, spiritual and political backgrounds unite as one to fly, fight
and win!
In my
24+ years of faithfully serving in our Armed Forces, I just about did it all! Air Force Thunderbird, White House Fellow, Air
Force Academy graduate, multiple Master's degrees, multiple "Top-Gun awards", #1
Instructor Pilot and #1 Evaluator Pilot, 3-time distinguished graduate,
published author, public relations officer, recruiter and combat Fighter Pilot.
I was indeed living the American Dream of opportunity and success.
Despite
my extensive record of success and accomplishment, something just wasn't quite
right. I wasn't climbing up the ladder as quickly as some of my peers. Less
competent officers, with subpar records, lack of skills and leadership
qualities and, in some cases criminal activity were climbing the ladder faster
than I. In fact, I got kicked off the leadership ladder, despite being dubbed
as a "keeper" and "future leader" in the United States Air
Force. But why?
"We
didn't, don't and won't want you here at this base!"
"You
don't look like the typical Thunderbird!"
"This
whole Affirmative Action thing has allowed you & people who look like you
opportunities & successes in life!"
"No
way in hell he is going to command!"
I met
the "good ole’ boy network," which is still alive and well in our Air
Force. To think that we live in a post-racial USAF/America is imprudent.
Though
a few have overcome the challenges and barriers, women and minorities remain
well underrepresented in the senior ranks and in leadership positions, and
junior minority officers are often underrepresented in highly competitive areas
like below-the-zone promotions, school selection and choice assignments.
I too
dreamt of one day becoming a senior leader in our Air Force; possibly the Chief
of Staff or perhaps even the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Though
being rated one of the best in the Air Force and having all the squares filled,
that dream was denied at the hands of several failed Air Force leaders who
chose nepotism, lineage and race over performance, excellence and simply what
was right. Are the notions of meritocracy and equality simply improbable? Does
the USAF really believe in and follow the Core Values? Dover AFB, F-22
mishaps/system failures, Air Force Academy Scandals, Air Force Tanker Contract,
Basic Training Recruit Abuse…! You be the judge!
My
story represents the tragedy of an unsustainable talent management approach being
used by the USAF, which fails to properly account for the current and future
requirements of our service. On this current course, diversity will simply be a
once heard of myth that failed to ever come to fruition. The impact of this failure will be long
lasting and will indeed be a threat to our future national security.
The
USAF has always had the vision to proactively meet future weapons system
requirements. We should have no less vision in proactively meeting current and
future leadership needs. With the
current practices, policies, lack of transparency and lack of accountability,
the USAF will create our most homogeneous officer force ever. Highly accomplished women and minorities with
impressive backgrounds continue to either fail to make or disappear from the
senior ranks. Without "significant" and "sustainable"
change, this is a recipe for failure!
A
young officer once asked me in a mentoring session, "If you couldn't do it
with your track record of performance and excellence, how is the average guy
supposed to do it?"
Today,
the United States Air Force can't answer this question, and it may choose not
to.
Make
no mistake. I still love my country and my Air Force, but we must fulfill our
commitment to diversity. It is essential
to our future and our national security!
I hope
you, too, realize that my story, many other stories just like it and the issue
of failed diversity is simply a national tragedy and is "Too Big to
Ignore!"
Mark
"Chappie" Smith
Lt.
Colonel, USAF (Retired)
11.
PROGRESSIVE PRESIDING ELDER ERIC L. BROWN LEADS A PRAYER WALK AGAINST DRUGS AND
VIOLENCE:
*Miss
Shelly Brown
Under
the Godly leadership of Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr. and Episcopal Supervisor
Ernestine Lee Henning, Dr. Eric L. Brown is a candidate to become the 6th
General Secretary/Chief Information Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church 2012.
The
progressive Presiding Elder of the Awesome Allegheny Scranton District of the
Pittsburgh Annual Conference recently led the constituents of the twenty-three
congregations and pastors in an unusual experience at their Mid-Year Report
Meeting at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Castle,
Pennsylvania.
The
City of New Castle like most cities in America has been beset by a plethora of
drug use and abuse and violence. Instead
of having a traditional worship experience, Presiding Elder Brown led the
District in an innovative prayer-walk through the New Castle Community,
accompanied by the City of New Castle Police Department, Clergy members of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, some of whom travelled four hours to be a
part of this historic event and the New Castle Community, as well as the
faithful laity of the District. The walk
included singing led by the Rev. Dr. Helen Milner Burton, the pastor of New
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
The
group paused throughout the walk at designated points to pray for the city, the
youth, the black males, the family and the church.
At the
conclusion of the walk that began and ended at Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal Church, 312 Green Street, the Rev. Norman Hunt led the group in a
Prayer of Thanksgiving for what God is going to do in New Castle.
Following
the walk, the group was treated to lunch at the church that included the police
officers who accompanied the walkers.
The
pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Castle is the Reverend
Jeannette Hubbard.
*Miss
Shelly Brown is the Allegheny Scranton District Administrative Assistant
12. QUINN CHAPEL AME HOSTS FIFTH
ANNUAL MEN OF QUINN BREAKFAST WITH SPEAKER COACH ROY CURRY:
The Men of Quinn (MOQ) will host its annual prayer
breakfast on
Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.
Roy Curry has quite an impressive history and
athletic background. During his college
career, Curry was one of the most revered quarterbacks to play at Jackson State
University. In 1963, Roy Curry was
drafted into the National Football League (NFL) by the Pittsburgh Steelers and
played until sustaining an injury that ended his professional football career.
After leaving the NFL, Curry became a physical
education specialist and assistant football coach at Parker High School (now
Paul Robeson High School). After a
promotion, Curry coached the team to city championships in 1970 and 1981 and
was runner up in the 1982 Illinois Class 5-A State High School Football League
Championship. He was the football coordinator for the Dept. of Sports
administration for Chicago Public Schools and still volunteers his time as a
consultant and coach for the Track and Field as well as Football programs at
Robeson High School.
Coach Curry is an avid member of the Chicago
Public League Coaches Association, the Champ Sports Medicine Doctors
Association, the Sun-Times All-Area Coaches Board, the Illinois Coaches Hall of
Fame, the Jackson State University Hall of Fame, and the SWAC Football Hall of
Fame. He just granted the honor of being
one of the 100 greatest football players of Jackson State University. This was
along with great ones like Walter Payton.
Coach Curry resigned from the position of head
football coach of the Robeson High School, after thirty-three years and has
shared his expertise with all of Chicago by heading the Football Program for
the entire public league.
When asked to honor us as our speaker Coach Curry
said "Quinn Chapel has been like a second church for me. Quinn was the church home for my mother,
sister, and brother and now for my nieces and nephews. I look forward to
meeting you and to participating at your breakfast."
We honor and applaud Coach Roy Curry for his many
years of successful coaching at Robeson High School and thank him for
dedicating his professional career to the education of young people.
Please mark your calendar and extend the
invitation to every man in your family and community.
Quinn Chapel A.M.E
2401 S. Wabash
Chicago, Illinois
Admission is free and open to young and adult men
only. Please call 312-476-9265 or e-mail
menofquinn@gmail.com to RSVP.
Submitted by David Moody, Quinn Chapel AME Church
13. SPECIAL
RESOLUTION- 89TH SESSION OF THE DELAWARE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
TCR Editor’s Note: TCR is publishing the Special Resolution in the format
submitted.”
March
31, 2012
To: Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding
Prelate of the 1st Episcopal District; Mother Mary Ann Norris; Host
Presiding Elder Richard Worthy and Presiding Elder Winton Hill III and their
Spouses; host pastor the Rev. Dr. Janet Sturdivant; pastors and their spouses;
Clergy, Evangelists, Lay Delegates, District and Connectional Officers, Members
and Guests of the 89th Session of the Delaware Annual Conference.
Whereas in June 2004 at the General
Conference, the First District requested the Episcopal Committee to send Bishop
Richard F. Norris to the First District, where the AME Church started, under
Bishop Richard Allen in 1787. This District includes the eastern half of
Pennsylvania, New York, Western New York, New Jersey, Delaware, New England
(including Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) and Bermuda.
Whereas Bishop Richard Norris and
Mother Mary Ann Norris have completed their tenure in the First Episcopal
District,
Let it be
resolved that
they will be truly missed. Let it be
resolved that the Delaware Annual Conference will, with all diligence, continue
the work begun under the leadership of Bishop and Mother Norris.
Whereas a legendary marble bust of
Richard Allen, widely thought to have been lost or destroyed - if not forgotten
entirely - at last has returned to Philadelphia, where it was originally
displayed during the final days of the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Fairmount
Park.
Whereas the bust was ceremonially
unveiled at a special service at the First District A.M.E. Headquarters; let it be recorded that Bishop Richard
Norris and Rev. Mark Tyler played key roles in bringing the bust of our first
consecrated Bishop, Richard Allen, home to Philadelphia, and let it be resolved that the Delaware Annual
Conference will celebrate this achievement for decades to come.
Whereas Bishop Franklin Norris came
to the First Episcopal District and was able to change our financial challenges
into songs of success; whereas Bishop Norris through prayer, keen ingenuity
and reliance on God made “bricks out of straw” and has moved the First District
forward and closer to economic stability.
Whereas Bishop and Mother Norris’
ability to help people find and develop their own talents, skills and
confidence; let it be resolved
that the members of the Delaware Annual
Conference are thankful for this tutelage and guidance that has allowed many
members of the clergy and lay to grow and to maximize their potential.
Whereas reports presented were
relevant and pointed to areas of concern not only for the Delaware Annual
Conference (DAC) but our nation and global communities; let it be resolved that Pastors and
Delegates will summarize and disseminate information from these reports to each congregation in the DAC. Whereas
all of the Committee Reports were informative, there remains a critical need
for them to take on the form of White Papers with embedded steps of action that
can be progress monitored, allowing us, as a Church, to become responsible for
progressive change; let it be resolved
that future Committee Reports will include action-oriented recommendations that
can be implemented in each local church.
Whereas the Social Action
Report was comprehensive, it was suggested that the report include a section on “Black on Black” violence;
let it be known that the Delaware
Annual Conference acknowledges the importance of this concern. Let it be
resolved that the Social Action Committee recommends local church
follow up with discussion groups to develop individualized community actions plans
to “stop the violence”.
Whereas the senseless killing of
Trayvon Martin, age 17, in Florida, has sparked a world-wide response to
racism; let it be resolved that we will pray 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. Let it be resolved that it
is the duty of the Church to respond with life-affirming love and justice. We must 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. (Excerpt from Churches Uniting in Christ statement
cuininfo.org)
Whereas issues, concerns, problems
and resolutions highlighted in Committee Reports are not restricted to Delaware
and Pennsylvania; they are systemic and manifest themselves across the nation
and even stretch worldwide; whereas our
concerns are not isolated or relegated to any one ethnic community, they do
occur at higher rates in African American and Latino communities; be it resolved that we challenge the
African Methodist Episcopal Church to respond on the national and international
levels; let us resolve to attend
school board meetings and work with local school districts to insure they
maximize efforts to attract and retain qualified educators, and demand that
they provide fair compensation; additionally, let
it be resolved that we will not accept sub-par curricular, limited
access to current teaching resources/technology, and under-qualified teachers.
Whereas the Rev. Gerald H. Hesson
has shared his ministry gifts with congregations in New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania and Delaware; whereas
the Rev. Hesson who currently serves as the Pastor of St. George AME Church,
Lewes, DE, has requested and been granted superannuation after serving the
African Methodist Episcopal Church for several decades, be it resolved that we acknowledge his many
accomplishments and that we wish him well as he and Sister Hesson continue this
Christian journey by turning another corner in life.
Whereas the Rev. Jean M. Sudler has
served the Delaware Annual Conference for 21 years as Director of Evangelism, whereas she has shown devotion, loyalty and
commitment to the spirit of Matthew 28:19-20 by seeking the lost with a zeal; whereas Rev. Sudler has dedicated her life
to offering salvation; whereas she
has request to be superannuated; be it resolved that we express great
appreciation and gratitude for her work at Mt. Zion AME Church Dover, and on
the highways and byways where the lost are found.
Whereas On May 17, 1954, the U.S.
Supreme Court ruled in the case of Brown v.
Board of Education, declaring racially segregated public schools
unconstitutional. In August 1954, a petition was submitted to the Milford Board
of Education requesting integration. On September 8, eleven African-American 10th
grade students were admitted to the district’s High School. On September 26,
several thousand people attended rallies organized by segregationist Bryant
Bowles advocating a boycott of the schools. The boycott spread, and several
Sussex County schools were closed as a result. The Milford School Board reconvened
on September 30, and decided to remove the eleven students “in the interest of
the welfare of the children and the community as a whole.” Eight years would
pass before integration of Milford’s schools was resumed. Whereas
Sis. Edna M. Sharp, a member of Bethel AME Church, Milford, DE, was one of “The
Milford Eleven”, be it known that the Milford
School Board voted to award diplomas to the Milford Eleven on in May 2012.
Whereas Bishop Richard Allen
Hildebrand, 88th elected and consecrated Bishop, and Bishop Richard
Allen Chappelle, Sr., 108th elected and consecrated Bishop, Dr.
Robert H. Reid, Jr., General Officer, all of whom were retired faithful
servants of the AME church have passed on to their eternal reward. Whereas Rev.
Perry L. Davis, Pastor of Ringgold Chapel in the Wilmington District of the
Delaware Annual Conference, passed from this life to glory in August, 2011; Whereas Rev. Ruffin Noisette, Superannuated
Elder at Bethel AME Church, Wilmington District, has also gone home to be with
the Lord this Conference year; Whereas Rev. Noisette had relocated to
North Carolina, but remained a member of the Delaware Conference; Let it be
resolved that we offer our condolences and prayers to their
families; Let it also be resolved
that we pray for the peace of Christ to be with the families during their
bereavement.
Whereas the Rev. Dr. Janet
Sturdivant and the members of Asbury AME Church, Chester, Pennsylvania, have
reached lofty heights in service meeting the needs and answering every request
of the members of the 89th session of the Delaware Annual Conference, be it resolved that we are forever
grateful and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We have been treated like royalty. Thank you for loving kindness; be it resolved that we will continue to
make mention of you in our prayers. May
the Lord strengthen and keep you.
Committee Members: The Rev. Idola W. Batson, the Rev. Dr.
Natalie P. Alford, the Rev. Lamont Harmon, and all Conference Officers.
14. POSITION OPENED FOR DIRECTOR
FOR TEEN CHOIR IN DOVER, DELAWARE AREA:
Director for Teen choir (ages 13-18). Mount
Zion, Dover, Delaware seeks a young adult to play keyboard, teach and develop a
Teen choir for Sunday worship. Must have a knowledge of contemporary
gospel music and it would be helpful if person has a readable knowledge of
music. There is a possibility of becoming Assistant Director of Music for
the church. Salary is to be negotiated. Please contact the church
office at 302-678-9478, Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
15. USING
YOUR VOICE TO END HUNGER THIS SUMMER:
By Bishop Don DiXon Williams
The dictionary defines
advocacy as “pleading the cause of another, siding with, vindicating,
recommending publicly.” Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us to “Speak out for those who
cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge
righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Consider the biblical story
about the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. It begins with the very
political act of God sending Moses to Pharaoh to demand the people’s release
from slavery (Exodus 3:7-12). The Exodus account has inspired oppressed people
ever since. As Israel moved out of the wilderness to settle the land, kings,
priests, and elders became responsible for the nation’s observance of the law.
When that law was not upheld, or when those in power became corrupt, God sent
messengers to help implement change.
How does this apply to
ending hunger in our time? I see advocacy on behalf of hungry people as an
extension of our Christian faith. Speaking with and writing to your lawmakers
may seem overwhelming, but there are plenty of resources available to guide
you. Bread for the World’s website (www.bread.org) is a
great place to begin, featuring a number of resources to help you jump-start
your advocacy work. And if you are ready to put your advocacy skills to the
test, I encourage you to participate in Bread for the World’s annual Capitol
Hill Lobby Day on June 12, 2012. Hundreds of activists and advocates from
around the country are expected to come to Washington, DC, to urge Congress to
create a circle of protection around programs that support hungry and poor
people.
There’s another opportunity
happening all summer long that I’d like to share with readers in the
Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Starting in June, the Capital Area Food
Bank’s Agency Achievement Academy will host its 2012 Advocacy Training Series.
This educational series of workshops and working groups is designed to
accelerate an individual’s advocacy skills and prepare activists for successful
interaction with their lawmakers. Participants will have an opportunity to
network with other hunger advocates; learn about policy, politics, and process
from experts; develop and refine techniques for activism; add value to their
feeding programs through advocacy; and help shape the political agenda around
hunger. For more information, please contact Agency Achievement Academy
Coordinator David Poms at dpoms@capitalareafoodbank.org,
or (202) 526-5344, x294.
As Christians, we are often
compelled by our faith to help people in need. However, if we are serious about
putting an end to injustices such as hunger and poverty, I challenge you to use
advocacy.
*Bishop Don DiXon Williams is racial/ethnic outreach
associate at Bread for the World, and sits on the board of bishops of the
United Church of Jesus Christ, Baltimore, MD.
16. NAACP CALLS ON CONGRESS TO END PRACTICE OF
RACIAL PROFILING BY LAW ENFORCEMENT
Strongly supports the End Racial Profiling Act
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the NAACP reiterated
its call for Congress to take strong, decisive action to end racial profiling
by law enforcement.
“Most law enforcement agents are hard working,
conscientious men and women who use proven, data-driven, non-discriminatory
methods of policing to protect and serve the communities in which they work,”
said Hilary O. Shelton, the Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau and the
Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy. “The problem is that when
even one of their law enforcement colleagues uses racial profiling, the trust
of an entire community can be lost and the integrity of their work challenged.”
“What we need is a data-based approach to define
the problem and determine the scope and magnitude and then we must have
education, training and accountability at all levels to eliminate racial
profiling once and for all.”
Mr. Shelton went on to say that the End Racial Profiling Act, S. 1670 / H.R. 3618,
effectively addresses racial profiling by “defining racial profiling, calling
for data collection to assess the extent of the problem, train law enforcement
officials from the unit commander to the cop-on-the-beat on how to not use this
ineffective and counterproductive policy, and finally, offers citizens and the
government avenues for private rights of action to ensure accountability to
make certain that racial profiling is stopped.”
Mr. Shelton went on to thank Senator Durbin for his
“strong support for more than a decade” on behalf of those working to end
racial profiling as well as Senator Cardin and Congressman Conyers for their
leadership in introducing the End Racial Profiling Act
in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate the 112th
Congress.
The NAACP’s full testimony can be found at http://www.naacp.org/pages/federal-advocacy-resources
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest
and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States
and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities,
conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public
and private sectors.
17. MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 27:
A few years ago, when online activity was a
"brave new world" for me, I got an email with an offer to
"test" a brand new laptop computer.
I joyfully replied, clicked on the offer and was directed to a website
where I answered a long series of questions about my likes, dislikes and
shopping preferences. The promised
laptop never arrived, but I got tons of emails offering me other fantastic
bargains - until I figured out how to block them.
Needless to say, the "laptop test" was a
scam. The real goal was to play on my
willingness to go after something for nothing in hopes that I might actually
spend serious money on other stuff. The
experience reminded me of an old saying worth remembering, "If something
sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
All of us succumb at times to the human desire to
go after what looks and sounds good and seems to be easy to attain, only to
find out that there are unexpected "strings" attached that can tangle
us up in difficult situations. Very
often what looks and sounds good can be deceptive, disappointing and even
dangerous.
Those of us who know and trust in the Lord can be
thankful that God doesn't operate by the rules of this world. This world may be deceptive, but God is
always there to offer concrete hope, concrete direction and concrete blessings
with no strings attached. When we
patiently trust in the Lord to lead and guide us, we can be assured that we'll
have all that we need and end up where we need to be, for the God who created
us never leads us wrong.
Take the time in a world filled with tantalizing
illusions to let the Lord lead and guide you.
You may not get what you want when you want it, but you'll cherish what
God does for you right on time. You'll
also learn why King David of Israel could reflect on what the Lord had done for
him in spite of his ups and downs and say, "Wait on the Lord and be of
good courage, He shall strengthen your heart."
If you are in the Charleston, South Carolina areas
this Sunday, please know that you are invited to join us our Men’s Day Worship
at 10 a.m. The Mime Ministry and Men’s
Day Choir will offer praise and the Honorable Steve Benjamin; the first
African-American Mayor of the City of Columbia, South Carolina will be the
speaker for the occasion.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
Proverbs 20:1-7
II Timothy 2:1-7
John 20:19-29
Be sure to go to church wherever you are!
The Rev. Dr. Rev. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of
Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
18. CLERGY FAMILY
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
- Mrs. Alreda Postell,
widow of Presiding Elder A.P. Postell of the 11th Episcopal District celebrates 101st
birthday
Mrs. Alreda
Postell will celebrate her 101st
birthday Sunday, April 22nd. Mrs. Postell is the widow of
Presiding Elder A.P. Postell of the 11th Episcopal District and
mother of Mrs. Mary Vick and mother-in-law of Pastor Norman Vick of the
Virginia Annual Conference, 2nd Episcopal District. Mrs. Postell is a member of St. Paul AME
Church in Jacksonville, Florida where the Rev. Marvin Zanders serves as pastor.
Praise God for His blessings.
- The Rev. Michael W.
Waters, founder and senior pastor of Joy Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal
Church in Dallas, Texas, successfully defended his D.Min doctoral project
The Rev. Michael
W. Waters, founder and Senior Pastor of Joy Tabernacle African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas, has successfully defended his doctoral
project, "Hip Hop Spirituality: Revitalizing African American Urban Church
Worship," and will graduate with a Doctor of Ministry degree with Honors
in Urban Ministry from Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of
Theology on May 12, 2012.
Congratulatory
messages may be sent to joytabame@aol.com.
Or mailed to:
Joy Tabernacle
A.M.E. Church
The Rev. Michael
W. Waters, Founder and Senior Pastor
3203 Holmes
Street
Dallas, Texas
75215
Phone: (214)
565-8975
- Dr. Herman O. Kelly,
Jr., Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the Rev. Maurice
Wright II, pastor of Bethel AME Church Alexandria, Louisiana, Inducted into the
Morehouse College Board Of Preachers
Dr. Herman O.
Kelly, Jr., Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Baton Rouge,
Louisiana and Rev. Maurice Wright II, pastor of Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal Church Alexandria, Louisiana were both inducted into the Morehouse
College Board of Preachers.
The Board of
Preachers Induction was held April 12, 2012 at the Martin L. King, Jr.
International Chapel on the Campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Persons are inducted for their work in the community and following the
principles and mandates that Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. stood for in his ministry.
Dr. Jamye Coleman
Williams, retired General Officer and Dr. Rosa M. Baxter, immediate past
Editor, Women's Missionary Society Magazine were among AME Church members
present to congratulate Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., and the Rev. Maurice Wright
II.
Congratulatory
messages can be sent to:
Bethel AME Church
Dr. Herman O.
Kelly, Jr., Pastor
1356 South
Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA
70810
Email: Hokellyj@yahoo.com
And to:
Bethel AME Church
The Rev. Maurice
Wright II, Pastor
2700 Jones Avenue
Alexandria, LA
71302
19. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to
announce the passing of Mrs. Ida B. Patterson, the mother of the Rev. Joseph D.
Patterson, retired Presiding Elder from the Philadelphia Conference. Mrs.
Patterson was 102 years old. The following information has been provided
regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and
Funeral, Saturday, April 21, 2012
Viewing - 9:00
a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Funeral - 10:00
a.m.
Hickman Temple
AME Church
5001 Baltimore
Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
19143
Phone:
215-476-5340
Fax: 215-472-3617
Internment:
West Laurel
Cemetery
215 Belmont Ave.
Bala Cynwyd, PA
19004
Expressions of
Sympathy can be sent to:
The Rev. Joseph
D. Patterson
6213 Walnut
Street
Philadelphia, PA
19139
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
On April 18,
2012, Sister Mamie McClendon went home to be with our Lord. Sister McClendon is
the sister of our beloved Sister Dorothy Ellis Ridley, First Lady of the East
Macon-Milledgeville District, Macon Georgia Conference and the sister-in-law of
Presiding Elder Benjamin Ridley.
Sister McClendon
was an active member of the St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church
located on Bloomfield Dr. in Macon, Georgia, where her pastor is the Rev. Dante
Rhone.
The Celebration
of Life service for Sister McClendon will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, April
21, 2012 at the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, located at 3805 Bloomfield Dr.,
Macon, Georgia 31206. Pastor Rhone will officiate at the celebration of life
service.
Expressions of
sympathy and concern for Presiding Elder and Sister Dorothy E. Ridley may be
sent to them at P.O. Box 1792 Macon, Georgia 31202.
21. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to
announce the transition of James Edward Poole, Jr., a resident of Dothan and
head custodian of Northview High School who passed away Monday, April 16, 2012
at Southeast Alabama Medical Center at the age of 61. Brother Poole was the
brother of the Rev. Victoria Poole-Smith, pastor of New Bethel AME Church in
White Springs, Florida.
Funeral services
will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Patterson Street Freewill
Baptist Church, 406 Patterson Street, Dothan, Alabama, with the Rev. Harold A.
McKissic, Jr. officiating.
The family will
receive friends at Byrd Funeral Home on West Main Street from 6 until 8 p.m. on
Friday.
Graveside
services with military honors will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 23, 2012 at
Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida with Byrd Funeral Home
on West Main Street directing. Express your condolences at
www.byrdfuneralhome.com
22. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to
announce the passing of Sister Victoria Scott, the mother of the Rev. Lydell
Scott, pastor of St. James AME Church, Mansfield, Louisiana and the aunt of the
Rev. Betty Scott, pastor of Hopewell AME Church, Haughton, Louisiana.
The Funeral
Service for Sister Victoria Scott is as follows:
Tuesday, April
17, 2012 at 11:00 A.M.
Allen Chapel AME
Church
510 North 11th
Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (318)
323-6382
The Rev. Richard
Starks, Pastor
Arrangements are
entrusted to:
Smith Funeral
Home
907 Winnsboro
Road
Monroe, LA 71202
Phone: (318)
361-9295
Expressions of
sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Lydell
Scott
1307 Villaggio
Blvd
Bossier City, LA
71111-7449
Cell:
318-426-4430
And to:
The Rev. Betty
Scott
200 Marx Street
Monroe, LA 71202
Phone
318--322-6736
Cell:
318-805-1218
Email revbettyscott@yahoo.com
23. 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
24. 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
24. 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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