THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (5/11/12)

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

May is National Stroke Awareness Month!

Ascension Day – May 17, 2012

Pentecost – May 27, 2012

1. EDITORIAL – THE AME CHURCH NEEDS A STAND-DOWN:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,

The 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

The Army and other entities of the federal government have a term, "Stand-down," which means the organization is in a temporary cessation or suspension of activities in order to provide important information and/or to correct systemic deficiencies.

The Army today is a much different Army than the Army of the Viet Nam era. When I first went into the Army the Officers’ Clubs and the NCO Clubs were thriving businesses. On Monday mornings, especially after a payday weekend, both enlisted and officers had stories of the wild things that happened at the Officers’ and the NCO Clubs. They described heavy drinking, fights and other wild things that young soldiers did.

But in the 80s, the Army and the other military services decided that alcohol use had gotten out of hand and Army had a stand-down and everyone had to attend classes on the use and abuse of alcohol.

In the 90s, the Army was embarrassed by incidents of sexual misconduct, and again the Army had a stand-down.  All military duties ceased training and every soldier had to attend instruction on how sexual misconduct degraded combat readiness and soldiers were informed that sexual misconduct was not going to be tolerated.

The AME Church has had a limited stand-down

In the early 2000's, the AME Church had something of a stand-down when all members of the clergy had to attend classes that dealt with sexual misconduct.

A stand-down is not a one-time event

I suspect that the Army is about to have another stand-down because of the embarrassing misconduct by U.S. troops that has tarnished the military image and jeopardize the success of the mission in Afghanistan.

I also believe that the Secret Service will have a stand-down because of the behavior of some of their agents with prostitutes just prior to President Obama's recent visit to Columbia.

When organizations feel their reputations are being tarnished or feel that their employees are straying away from the core values of the organization, they have some sort of stand-down to get the organization back on-track.

The general evidences of the need for a stand-down

There is need for an organizational stand-down when there is evidence that an organization has lost it core values and when it seems that the organization has lost focus on its mission. It is also evident that a stand-down is needed when an organization is not functioning to its highest capacity or when there are evidences of incompetence, a lack of concern for the quality of the “product,” or a lack of concern for the customers.

Other signals for a need for an organizational stand-down include patterns of behavior or cultural shifts that are not in concert with the needs of the organization.

When a stand-down is not be needed

A stand-down is not needed when there are isolated situations that might be inconsistent with the culture of the organization.  For example, if the misconduct of the Secret Service agents with the prostitutes in Columbia happens to be an isolated incident, a stand-down is not needed, but if there is evidence that secret agents routinely seek out prostitutes when they are on duty, a stand-down of the Secret Service must, and will, be implemented. But either way in the case of the Secret Service Agency, the situation needs to be addressed in such a way that Secret Service agents will not be tempted to seek the services of prostitutes or misbehave in any way contrary to the rules of the Secret Service.

It’s not hard for organizations to lose focus

Sometimes organizations lose focus because of institutional carelessness and a lack of effective leadership. 

Organizations lose focus because they relax their standards and employ ineffective, unqualified or under-qualified workers; and that problem is exacerbated when ineffective, unqualified or under-qualified employees ascend to leadership positions.

Some organizations lose focus because they fail to adapt to change and present their product in a “one-size fits all” presentation.

Other reasons for an organizational stand-down include abandoning core values, diminished customer base; failure to provide adequate training and a failure to retrain the members of the organization to insure competency standards are maintained.

A big reason for the need for an organizational stand-down occurs because an organization allows its integrity to be compromised.  Integrity is the bedrock of any organization.

“Customer” satisfaction and “product value”

All organizations that interact with people need to understand the concept of “customer satisfaction” and the “value of the product.” 

In every entrepreneurial business, customer satisfaction is important to the success or failure of the organization.  If customers are satisfied, business strives, if customers are dissatisfied, businesses often fail. When profits diminish, smart companies have stand-downs in attempts to correct problems.

Professions have customers; they don’t call them “customers”

In the academic community, the students are “customers.”  In the medical profession, the patients are “customers.” In the legal profession, clients are “customers.”  The service rendered in every profession is the “product” and customer satisfaction determines success or failure.

Oh, oh

Whether we like it our not, the church has “customers” and in that sense, the clergy has “customers.”  The parishioners are our “customers.” 

The same principles of “customer satisfaction” and “product value” apply in the life of the church. The “product” for our “customers” is the Gospel, God’s message, and all of the other things that go with the religious program.

Some churches struggle because they present the Gospel and the message of God in a “one-size fits all” format and that presentation does not work for everybody. Some people have unusual body shapes and some people have unusual spiritual requirements.

The ministry-focus for different generations does not fit into a one-size fits all” presentation.

The ministry focus for Generation Z (2000-Present), the Millennials or Generation Y (1980-2000), Generation X (1965-1979), the Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and the Silent Generation (1925-1945) is not the same. The "customers" that fit into those generations may not be satisfied with the “one-size fits all product presentation.”

The African Methodist Episcopal Church needs a connectional church stand-down and here are the reasons why… 

(Part 2 will be continued in the next issue)

2. TCR OP-ED:  THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CAN LEARN SOMETHING POSITIVE FROM THE AME CHURCH ABOUT BI-VOCATIONAL MINISTRY:

*Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns

I read the article concerning the United Methodist Church’s end of guaranteed pastoral appointments in The Christian Recorder Online entitled, GC2012: Vote ends guaranteed appointments - Official Report of the United Methodist News Service. The conversation about the likelihood of a greater number of pastors having a bi-vocational ministry caught my eye.

I understand bi-vocational ministry because my husband, the Rev. Clarence B. Johns was a bi-vocational pastor for most of his ministry.

From the beginning of his ministry, we knew that AME ministers were encouraged to be full-time pastors, and although we were faithful followers of God, we also knew that we had five children to take care of and my husband went into the ministry late, so I think we may have had more to consider than younger ministers starting their ministerial journeys.

My husband, the Rev. Clarence B. Johns was well into his teaching career and it might not have been the wisest thing for him to give up everything that went along with being an employee of the New York City Board of Education - and I suppose pension would be at the top of such a list to think about. In addition, he thought about what would happen to me should he become incapacitated or dies. I can tell you that I never thought in that direction but, obviously, my husband was a much more practical thinker than I was. You can bet; I thank God for that!

The First Episcopal District did it right

I should tell you that early in my husband’s ministry, we attended Annual Conferences and other meetings. We once were in attendance at an Annual Conference where the Bishop asked the widow of a pastor - or it may have been widow of a bishop was asked to stand and tell the congregation how much she was receiving from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, following her husband's death.

This petite little gray-haired lady stood up to her full five feet and said loud and clear, "The church sends me $17 every month." This was many years ago but a collective sigh went up from all those people in that great big auditorium. It was a sigh of shock - to think that this widow received only $17 after all that service to the church. It really does seem to me to be the widow of a bishop the widow of a very prominent minister.

At any rate, we all wondered what on earth she could do with $17 a month.  This was the beginning of a movement to increase benefits for the pastors of the First Episcopal District.

They started a health plan, which my husband didn't need to participate in because he was well-covered by his own job as a teacher and he didn't want to burden his small church with that expense. They also set up a plan whereby a widow of a pastor who died while pastoring a church would receive $10,000 and also the church he was pastoring would receive $10,000 for his funeral expenses. Any leftovers of that went to the widow. In my case, it all came to me; I don't know why. I do know that his funeral expenses went a bit over that allowance of $10,000 because following the funeral we decided to have the repast at the hotel where our out-of-town guests were staying (and where we spent the night following the funeral). My feeling was that all the members of Bethel should be available to sit comfortably and fellowship at this event. I didn't want anyone to have to be in the kitchen and assume responsibility for preparing that meal. We had lots of out-of-town family and I felt we needed to consider our beloved members regarding that. Those ladies who would have been in the kitchen were the very ones who had been faithful to their pastor for 12 years and whom we should have been looking out for and taking care of after the funeral, so that's what we did. Anyway, I'm sharing this so you can see how far the First District came after dishing out that $17 to that lady, actually just a few years before that.

Besides that, they instituted a plan for… I guess it was an annuity - anyway, it was a fund that the church contributed to for the benefit of widows. I'm not sure if the pastor contributed as well. This all came very late for my husband, of course, but as I recall I believe that amounted to about $60,000 when my turn came. Not an awful lot to last for my lifetime, but I had to remember $17.00 and believe me, I was so grateful that the First Episcopal District had come so far in not a lot of years. They saw the need and someone saw fit to act upon it. It was enough for us to invest wisely and "make do." 

There was another time that during an Annual Conference the Bishop asked a recently widowed lady to stand and give a report on how that $10,000 had been administered for her. She reported that the $10,000 check from The First Episcopal District was the first of all monies received after her husband's death. I was so glad to hear that as I was remembering the other similar report about $17.00. I was proud of my District. Of course, that would never affect me because I wasn’t thinking about my husband’s death! When my time came, I remembered that lady's good report and, sure enough, I received my check without any delay or problems at all. It was a very welcome gift at that time, with all the affairs that had to be settled!

There was, and is a place in the AME Church for bi-vocational pastors

And what all this amounts to is that we could never go along with the theory that all pastors had to be "full-time."  I know that my husband was one of the most effective pastors in our District. And, after retirement from his teaching job, well, needless to say, he was a "full-time pastor" plus, just as he had always been, but more so. After retirement from the NYC School District, he served as a chaplain in one of the local hospitals, attended all the Interdenominational pastors' meetings and held office, attended breakfast and luncheon meetings and on and on it went. It was just like I'd thought it would be when I was young and declared that I would never marry a pastor because, like a doctor, his wife and family would never be first in his thoughts or in the use of his time. Fortunately, God knew that I could handle that better as I was "older and wiser" by then. I didn't have to like it, but looking back I know that it was all good. He was one happy man, doing his God's work, because I didn't raise the battle flag like I might have wanted to at one point in my life. You live and learn. And I was so proud of the "wiser me."

About that $17-thing, I'm sure that if even I knew what an awful thing that was to have to tell anybody, then my husband was sitting up straight and his head was buzzing to think that, that kind of thing could happen to his wife, so he did everything he could to make proper provisions while I was breezing along through life, raising our children, thinking everything would be just fine forever.  He truly loved God, was sincere about his ministry, and needed to be true to his own values.

As a bi-vocational pastor, he was able to go about his job as pastor and just do his best at all times. As for "full time pastor," I believe he gave it more than full time. For instance, when he left school he had a long drive home to Long Island from NYC. He would drive east out on Long Island and every single day he would stop at St. Paul AME Church in Rockville Center for at least 2-4 hours before driving the rest of the way home.  The congregants knew that he would be available at that time - each day, five days a week. If there was something going on at church at night, he would sometimes stay right through the whole evening. I know lots of "full-time" pastors whose congregations don't have that kind of access to their pastor.

I hope UMC will be successful with their new ruling, but they will have to get used to it.

*Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns is the author of The Upward Journey – A Centenarian’s Chronicle – Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols Revered Clergyman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

3. TCR OP-ED:  A RESPONSE TO “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT”

*The Rev. Dr. Gregory Kimball

I am in absolute agreement with your conceptualization of the thoughts in the TCR Editorial, “I Can’t Believe It” that addressed the AME Church response to innovations in technology.  The life of institutions must depend on its ability to be transformational as its defined culture continues to evolve.  This is a basic physio-biological natural law provided by God that every seven years our bodies transform from seven years prior. 

The question becomes, “Why are many Christians, as well as Christian institutions, resistant to change?”  

In the discipline of psychology, resistance is identified as a self-defense psychodynamic of denial and resistance.  In the psycho-spiritual realm of understanding this resistance becomes rooted in False Evidence Appearing Real (i.e., FEAR).   God does not provide us with an institutional spirit of fear but of sound mind and love.  The devil seeks to keep people in darkness and living their life in fear and fears that control their inability to remain complacent and stagnate.  We all know that stagnate water in a river ecological system will begin to smell and noting will live in this non moving water.

With this in mind, the church must be dynamic and continue to evolve into finding ways to be and become better.  At the Greater Harvest, the church where I pastor, I sometimes change things such as to move furniture just to see what members may notice about what has changed since the previous week when they walk into the entrance of the church.  It becomes easy for parishioners to become accustomed to the usual and the usual ways of doing things.  The seven last word of a dying church, “We Never Did It That Way Before” becomes true in most declining congregations.

 

This cultural resistance to change has unfortunately become the battle-cry in many churches; and unfortunately also in the AME Church. 

We should seek to better understand cultural change and shifts that occur every seven years in society. It is necessary to carefully identify areas that may need to reevaluation.  Why continue to do same thing, the same way, and get the same result?  Especially, when the result that the church desires, is not working. 

Although the fearful cultural ethos of “We never did it that way before” becomes evident in not trying it another way.  Jesus told the fishermen who were skilled at their trade of fishing, “Throw your nets on the other side of the boat and they took in 153 fish.” 

Why continue to do the same thing, the same way, and seek to obtain better results. 

The AME Church should not be resistant to adapting, as well as adopting, innovative ways that technology brings to business and industry.

My 20-years in the military allowed me to experience how change can occur as well as to occur within a reasonable amount of time.  The implementation phase becomes a stumbling block for many organizations because of trying to get everyone to agree for the need to implement the plan.  In the military, change can occur quickly when needed, the commander can issue what is called a FRAG Order, which means “get this done quickly because time is of the essence.”

 

In the AME Church, the governance that works between the times of the General Conference is the General Board and the Bishop Council. These two entities have authority to carry out innovative change for the good of the AME Church. 

The General Conference occurs every four years, but what happens between the General Conference to bring about substantive change that does not require budgetary implications? 

Do we really have to get on airplanes and fly to so many meetings?  The use of internet, e.g., virtual meetings would dramatically reduce cost. 

Why do we use so much paper at the General Conference?  Why don’t we adapt to use of technology that members of the General Conference could simply download PDF files of legislation and the daily updates?  The use of technology would greatly reduce cost rather than increase cost.

*Dr. Gregory Kimble, Senior Pastor of Greater Harvest AME Church in Dallas, Texas and is a trained counselor

4. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial, “I Can’t Believe It”

I thoroughly enjoyed your column on the use of technology.  I send my tithes to my church electronically.  By using this route, my checking account is setup to debit my tithe each month.  In addition other offerings are made to my church and other churches through this means.  My checkbook is seldom used and trees are saved.

Thanks again for your informative and encouraging column.

The Rev. Anita Marshall

Editor's Comment: Why didn’t I think of this? I am going to do the same thing at my church and stop writing checks each week. Great idea!  As a result of your Letter to the Editor, I am now paying my tithes and offerings monthly. Thank you for your encouraging letter.

- To the Editor

RE: Editorial – “I Can’t Believe it - Part 2”

One thing I have observed in visiting new and/or growing churches is the priority they place on the installation of giant-sized screens in the sanctuary for projection of the order of worship; lyrics to praise and worship songs and hymns; prayers; litanies; the scriptural texts and announcement.  Even the smallest store front I have attended has these features in place.  When used effectively, the screens and projector provide a greater interactive experience for the worshipers during services. 

When Members of the younger generation are looking for a church home, they view these technological features as the mark of a more progressive church. 

Name Withheld

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial – “I Can’t Believe it - Part 2”

You did it again!  Loved the lengthy and very informative article.

We know we will not all be at the same level of accomplishment as we enter the Promised Land. I am not one to say kick out the old and crush the young. We need each other. As a member of our Zion, The African Methodist Episcopal Church; as I attend Quarterly Conferences, et al, I too, marvel at the questions and the answers given.

It's easy to answer, "Yes I subscribe." The next question should be, "Are you reading?" -  Which includes the Bible #1.

You can fool some of the people some of the time but, you cannot fool all of the people all of the time, and it starts with the Bishops and Presiding Elders.

Mrs. Claudia Cross

- To the Editor:

RE: Editorial – “I Can’t Believe it - Part 2”

I applaud you sharing your concerns about our Zion. It is a shame the mindset that we have within the church.  It is partly the reason we are losing that large section of young adults.  There is so much I want to say to the Board of Examiners concerning how we accept people into the ministry. They are supposed to be the gatekeepers. And the other culprits are those in the church who send a person, knowing s/he has NO business in the ministry….but we only accept pastoral ministry too. That is another problem in our Zion.

Kristen Caldwell

Bishop Chappelle’s daughter

5. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER SEEKS CLEARLY WRITTEN ARTICLE TO SHARE WITH READERS ON HOW TO ECONOMICALLY STREAM WORSHIP SERVICES:

The Christian Recorder is looking for a clearly-written “how to” article to share with our readers on how to stream worship services. We have had a number of inquiries from smaller congregations wanting to know how and what equipment is need to stream a worship service. The article should explain, in the simplest terms possible, what technical resources and equipment are needed. Smaller and mid-sized churches do not have large budgets so churches are looking for economical ways to reach out and extend the Gospel to the world.

Please submit article to: chsydnor@bellsouth.net

6. INVITATION FOR 2012 CANDIDATES TO ADDRESS THE 10^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT DELEGATES:

Grace, Mercy and Peace from God the Father and Christ our Lord –

       

This missive comes to share with you that the Tenth Episcopal District 2012 May Day (Mid-Year) and “The Ingram’s Appreciation” will convene Thursday, May 17 thru Saturday, May 19th, 2012. I am reserving time Friday, May 18th at 10:45 a.m. for candidates to address the district and delegates to the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference.

This is the only time I am reserving for candidates to speak directly to the delegation; however you are welcome to come and share with us in any and all scheduled events.

10^th Episcopal District 2012 May Day

Houston, Texas

Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel

2001 Post Oak Blvd.

Houston, TX 77056

(800) 245-7299

Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call the office (214) 333.2632.

Keep Making a Difference!

Yours in His Service,

        /s/

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram

118^th Bishop AME Church

7. TRIBUTE FOR DR. RICKY SPAIN, RETIRED PASTOR AND RETIRED 19^TH EDITOR OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER – MAY 26, 2012:

The Baltimore Annual Conference invites you to worship God at the Pastoral Retirement Worship Service for Dr. Ricky Spain.  This Worship Service will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2012, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Waters African Methodist Episcopal Church, 417 North Aisquith Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202.

Please recollect that Dr. Spain is the most recent former Pastor of Waters AME Church, served throughout the Second Episcopal District and was the 19th Editor of The Christian Recorder. 

We solicit your prayers and ask you to participate in this Worship Experience.  A light fare has been planned so that you can share your District and or personal tokens of love. In the event that you cannot attend please forward your gifts to Dr. Ricky Spain, 1604 Woodruff Court, Severn, MD 21144.

The Event is being coordinated by the Baltimore Conference, Eastern District, the Rev. Cordell E. Hunter, Sr., Presiding Elder.

For additional information or further details please contact Presiding Elder Cordell Hunter, 410-273-0424, email: Cordell944@aol.com; mailing address: P.O. Box 1071, Aberdeen, MD 21001; or Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr., 410-496-5902, email: Emont123@aol.com.  

We sincerely hope that you can participate.

We thank you in advance for your support.

Yours in His Service,

Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, Sr.

Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr.

**Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton

8. A MEMORABLE RETIREMENT CELEBRATION FOR CHAPLAIN LIEUTENANT COLONEL OLEDIA F.BELL, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE:

Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the Sensational Second Episcopal District, presided over the retirement ceremony of Chaplain Oledia F. Bell Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force (USAF) and her husband John B. Bell.

The memorable event was held at Freedom Chapel, Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), San Antonio, Texas on March 16, 2012. The host pastor was Chaplain, Captain, Jonathan Runnels, United States Air Force, Freedom Chapel Gospel Service.

Chaplain Bell was commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate in June 1986 and is a decorated Veteran of two Foreign Wars, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  Throughout her distinguished military career she served as: Protestant Chaplain; Branch Chief Chaplain; Director Distance Learning and Tests and Evaluations Chaplains School; Deputy, Headquarters Chaplain’s Recruiting; Wing Chaplain, Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska; Deputy Wing Chaplain, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, and, Wing Chaplain Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.  Chaplain Bell’s assignments include deployments with Operation Provide Comfort, Incirlik Turkey; Camp Sather, Baghdad, Iraq; and, Djibouti, Horn of Africa.

Chaplain Bell is President of the Henry McNeil Turner Chaplains’ Association and is the first woman to serve as president of the prestigious African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church’s professional group. The Association is comprised of renowned AME clergy that serve in exciting locations all around the world.  Chaplains/clergy serve in pulpits, chapels, hospitals, prisons, veteran centers, and universities with and without walls. The AME Chaplains serve wherever the need is, wherever the people are.

Chaplain Bell is a fourth generation member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, following in the footsteps of her, great grand-parents. Her great grandfather the Reverend Robert Davis, the patriarch of the family, was a slave who purchased his freedom and raised his family in Cherokee County, Texas. The Reverend Davis taught his children resilience through hard work, faith and determination. Chaplain Bell acknowledges that without the foundation of faith and family she could not have persevered in becoming the first African American woman to progress through the ranks to achieve an active duty commission as a Lieutenant Colonel, in the United States Air Force Chaplaincy.

Chaplain Bell’s other accolades include: first active duty African American woman Chaplain to serve as Wing Chaplain; first African American woman to teach at the Chaplains School, Air University, Montgomery, Alabama, first African American woman to serve on the Chaplains staff at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; first African American woman to serve as a Chaplain Recruiter, United States Air Force Recruiting Head Quarters, San Antonio, Texas.

Chaplain Bell earned her Doctorate of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena California; Master of Divinity, Virginia Union, Richmond, Virginia; Master Military Arts and Science, Air University, Montgomery Alabama, Bachelor of Science Business, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia.

The retirement ceremony was officiated, by James Scott, Colonel, USAF, (Retired), former Commander HQ-Defense Commissary Agency. Colonel Scott is the current appointee to the Texas Commission of Texas Veterans appointed by Texas Governor, Rick Perry.

Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson and Supervisor Connie Speights Richardson were among the prestigious guest in attendance at the celebration. Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson is the first African Methodist Episcopal Bishop to officiate in the retirement of an AME Chaplain in the beautiful USAF, Freedom Chapel Gospel Service, which provided a historical distinction to the occasion. Other Active duty and retired veterans in attendance included the uncle of Chaplain Bell, a decorated Vietnam Marine combat veteran, and three time Purple Heart recipient, Mr. Theo V. Green. Other distinguished guests in attendance were the Reverend Adam P. Jefferson, beloved Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church, 2^nd Episcopal District, and his Pastors Steward, Dwight Elliott. Also participating in the retirement ceremony were the Lackland AFB Honor Guard, Lackland Gospel Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Angela Lee, and the “Heavenly Angels Drill Team,” Mrs. Janelle Smart, Director. The Heavenly Angles were organized by Chaplain Bell in1991.  Members of the Team, both past and present, have developed into responsible young adults and community leaders.

Bishop Richardson’s sermon entitled, “Front Line Ministry of the Chaplains,” Send for the Chaplains. The scripture was from the book of Deuteronomy 20:2-4, and Ephesians 4:11 and 12.  Bishop Richardson emphasized both the historical and religious significance of Chaplains on the battle field. He stated, “If you are going to denounce the work of the military don’t do it while enjoying the liberty and privileges of citizenship.” The Bishop stressed the fact that while we do not celebrate war, we do celebrate those who sacrifice placing themselves in harms’ way to protect the citizens of our nation and our core values. 

Today’s military leaders realized, as did Moses, in times of war and high alert, when you are ready to engage the enemy, it is time to call for the priest or, “Send for the Chaplains.” The attendees of the retirement celebration at Freedom Chapel soon forgot they were saying Amen to the Bishop at this usual somber and scripted military event. The shouts of praise God, halleluiah, and hand clapping echoed throughout the Freedom Chapel walls. Bishop Richardson, in his signature style, started in a slow, quiet tone, barely raising his voice; and reached the height of his sermon with surgical precision and prophetic insight which brought the audience to the edge of their seats; even the babies stopped crying. Bishop Richardson paraphrased the words in the twentieth chapter of Deuteronomy and reiterated the significance of religious leadership on the battle field and their importance to any successful battle.

A noteworthy treat of the retirement ceremony was the soul starring musical rendition of accomplished saxophonist, the Reverend Andre P. Jefferson, Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Hampton, Virginia. Reverend Jefferson brought the congregation to their feet with his moving rendition of “Jesus You Are the Center of My Joy.”   He dedicated the special horn tribute to Chaplain Bell and Mr. John Bell who have been faithful members of Bethel for over 25 years. 

My fellow sisters and brothers of the clergy and Second Episcopal District, you would have another reason to be proud and proclaim, as did attendees of the celebration, “that’s our Bishop!” Thank you Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson and God bless you and our ever supportive and encouraging Supervisor, Mrs. Connie Speight’s Richardson.

Oledia F. Bell Ch, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)

President, Henry McNeal Turner Chaplains Association

9. MRS. TERESA DELOACH REED, AN AME, IS NAMED FIRE CHIEF IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA:

May 11, 2012

Fifth Episcopal District, California Annual Conference

Teresa Deloach Reed, long time member of First AME Church, Oakland, California, was named Fire Chief for the City of Oakland, California and she assumed the position on March 5, 2012.  Chief Reed is the first African American Woman Fire Chief in a major metropolitan city with a population of 392,932.  Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said that Chief Reed is the first woman to lead the Oakland Fire Department in its 142-year history.

Chief Reed has been a member of FAME Oakland since 1997, where the Rev. Dr. Harold R. Mayberry, is Senior Pastor and Chair of the Episcopal Committee.  She has served as a member of the Steward Board, administrative assistant to the Pastor, Lay Organization President and Unit Leader. 

“Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land, Psalm 37:34.” Chief Deloach Reed, 54, began her journey to leadership in the San Jose Fire Department 26 years ago, when she picked up a fire fighter application meant for her brother, and after reading the qualifications on the job description she said, “Hey, I could do this.”

At the time, Teresa Deloach Reed was a phone-company installer and she already knew how to climb ladders, carry heavy equipment, and crawl around in dark, confined spaces.  She also grew up with seven brothers and learned how to hold her own with a group of guys.

She was the first black woman hired within the San Jose Fire Department and the first woman promoted to the position of fire engineer, and went on to be promoted  to Fire Inspector in 1991. In 1994 Teresa Deloach Reed once again became the first woman to be promoted to the position of Fire Captain and was put in charge of an all male-company that embraced her leadership and supported her professional growth in this new role.  Later in 1999 she was promoted to Battalion Chief.

Chief Reed also served as the Training Captain from 1996 to 1999, where she coordinated several recruit academies.  She was a line Battalion Chief from 1999 to 2001 before she was named the department’s Safety Officer. As a line Battalion Chief, she was responsible for all emergency operations taking place on the eastside of San Jose. Before being appointed to Assistant Fire Chief, Chief Deloach Reed was the acting Deputy Chief for the training division, and responsible for all emergency operations throughout the city.

As the second in command, Chief Teresa Deloach Reed was the highest ranking woman in the San Jose Fire Department. The City of San Jose is the tenth largest city in the country and the third largest city in California. It serves a population of 971,372 in an area of 205 square miles.  The San Jose Fire Department is the largest metropolitan area in the greater Bay Area.

Reflecting on how far God has brought her, Chief Deloach Reed thought back to the day she reported to Fire Station 26 after graduating from the academy. “I didn’t get a lot of support from the other members. What I got most was the silent treatment. My first 5 years were very long and disappointing. Everyone I met would talk about how they loved the fire service and how it was the best job in the world. They would tell stories about how they would travel up and down the state testing, trying to get hired. I spent my first 5 years trying to figure out why would they do this? While they were trying to get in, I was trying to get out. During this time, my Fire Chief kept promising it would get better. Well, it did and I began to move up in the ranks. As a company officer, and after eight years of being in the fire service, I was able to experience the greatness of being apart of the fire service. Fast-forward ten years and I remember being in Pastor Mayberry’s office telling him of my disappointment of being denied the third time, the position of Deputy Chief. Both pastor and Presiding Elder Burroughs shared with me A blessing delayed is not a blessing denied. You can’t plan your destiny…..Only God can! You must wait on the Lord. You can spend your nights crying because you didn’t get an appointment, all the while not knowing the Lord has something bigger and better for you. Wait on the Lord, consult with him first! Rev. Mayberry teaches you are going to get one of three answers: yes, no, or not yet. The Lord knows when it is your time……and he will put you in position when it is your season. Wait on the Lord, and include Him in all you do.”

Please join the 5^th Episcopal District, the California Annual Conference and the members of First AME Church Oakland, California in congratulating Chief Teresa Deloach Reed for her amazing journey and historical accomplishments.

Submitted by Ms. Marilyn Lovelace-Grant, Director of Public Relations, California Annual Conference

10. A ROMANTIC SUNDAY:

By Sister Angelena Spears

Philadelphia Conference Reporter

Not even Tyler Perry could have put together a scene more romantic than the love scene that unfolded at Bethel AME Church, Reading, PA, on Sunday, May 6.

The real-life love story took place at the altar, when the beau of the pastor came forward and knelt at the altar for Holy Communion.

As the Rev. Cindy Carr dispensed the Holy Sacraments to each table – it was the last table that caught her totally off guard.  When she reached out to give the Communion wafer to Dr. Lawrence Rudolph, she noticed something shining in his cupped hands – it was a beautiful engagement ring.

What happened next was a gasp, a few emotional tears, an intimate “Yes,” – and then he put the shining ring on her finger.  When the congregation figured out what was taking place, they erupted into joy.

The Rev. Carr pulled herself together, finished the Holy Communion, and then happily shared with the members of the church.

She asked Dr. Rudolph to join her in the front of the church, and then told the members how they had met.

She said it was approximately two years ago when the son of one of the church’s senior members came to preach at Bethel for the church’s 188th Anniversary.

That visiting minister was the Rev. Al Reeves, whose father was a member of the church’s steward board.  When Rev. Reeves met Rev. Carr he pronounced from the pulpit that he sensed a special anointing on her life and then he also pointed out that he noticed she was not wearing a ring, and said he had a friend…

Although the Rev. Reeve’s friend lived in Baltimore, the two eventually met – and now they are looking forward to spending a lifetime together.

The Rev. Carr has been the pastor of Bethel for three years.  It is her first pastoral assignment. 

Dr. Rudolph is an executive director of principal support of the Baltimore City Schools.

Members and friends share in their happiness.  We thank God for real-life love stories and for all the good things He has in store for those who love Him and are called together for His purpose.

11. THE NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY LUNCHEON

*The Reverend Teresa Lynn Rushdan

“Changing the Course of HIV/AIDS One Black Life at a Time!

The weather on Tuesday February 7^th, 2012 was brisk and beautiful suggesting an early spring. About 8:30 a.m. in the morning the City of Trenton's “Mobile Health Unit", set up their testing facilities, giving numerous persons free HIV/AIDS Testing and counseling throughout the day.

Equally as exciting was the Spirit of Joy and Good Christian Community that was evident inside the Great Hall Community Center located at the Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church Trenton, New Jersey.

Seated at the dais were numerous persons who have dedicated much of their lives work to help communities in New Jersey “Get Educated, Get Involved, Get Tested, & Get Treated” in an effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Notables in attendance included Reverend Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MDIV, MPH who is an Itinerant Elder in the A.M.E. Church and currently also serves as Medical Director of the Connectional Health Commission of the AME Church and is Pastor of the New Bethel AME Church Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Ms. Clara Gregory (Division of HIV, STD, & TB Services), Connie F. Meyers, Assistant Commissioner (Division of HIV, STD, & TB Services), Lanine Toote Health Education Specialist (NJHDC), Michael Brown Chairperson of Board Members (NJHDC), and Tony Mack, Mayor of Trenton, New Jersey.

Rev. Lynda T. Rassmann, swiftly set the tone of the program by saying “we are here today as cup bearers and Bakers. We are here to help black people become activists in their own cities, to become vessels through which HIV/AIDS Awareness information may reach as many as possible shedding light on a serious cause.”

The Rev. Rassmann concluded her remarks with the following statement. “You can lift someone, you can make a difference.”

With sincerity and straightforwardness Rev. J. Stanley Justice decreed that “HIV/AIDS has long gone past the crisis stage and is now in a state of emergency. For those infected it is urgent to get connected to treatment and care services. In fact, it’s paramount.” Going further Rev. Justice emphatically said that HIV/AIDS has exhausted its toxic venom and that time is of the essence and that we have a lot of work to do.”

Dr. Burnett shared a wealth of information to give every listener the tools needed to assist everyone in “Healing A World in Peril” Dr. Burnett suggested with statistics to confirm that now more than ever the importance of Hearing & Healing, encouraging dialogue in our communities about HIV/AIDS, de stigmatization, collaborating services and offering support groups for those infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Presiding Elder Vernard Leak applauded Dr. Burnett for her efforts and Bishop Richard Franklin Norris for making room in allowing Dr. Burnett along with Reverend Natalie Mitchem in leading the First Episcopal District with varied health initiatives.

Presiding Elder Leak gave a faith based summary and response to all that had been spoken and began to as an introduction lifting the many efforts and accomplishments of Bishop Norris who has been a constant catalyst for bringing the First Episcopal District into the face of HIV/AIDS Awareness as an ongoing mandate set for generations to come throughout the First District.

Just before Bishop Norris preached Miss Victoria James accompanied by Mr. Jerry Compere together rendered heartfelt selections bringing thunderous applause. Ms. James’s rendition of the song “Smile” was particularly moving in light of the ravages of HIV/AIDS for it caused listeners to smile regardless of the circumstances that they may be facing.

The afternoon was highlighted by hearing a prolific Word given by the Special Guest Speaker Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District who stood strong as a father of the church and lifted his text Matthew 5:13-14 known as the Beatitudes.

The New Jersey Human Development Corporation or (NJHDC)

The New Jersey Human Development Corporation or (NJHDC) is a Non-Profit 501c3 Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of the New Jersey Annual Conference and is led by some of the crème de la crème of African Methodism.

- It is important to note that the entire event was funded by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Public Health Services Branch, Division of HIV, STD and TB Services.

*The Reverend Teresa Lynn Rushdan is a freelance writer and pastor of Bethel AME Church in Madison, New Jersey

12. CELEBRATING THE REV. DR. LEROY ATTLES 50 YEARS IN THE MINISTRY - MAY 15 – 20, 2012:

St. Paul AME Church, Cambridge Massachusetts

Please join us to celebrate 50 years of the Rev. Attles service as a minister.  Our program will include dynamic preachers whose lives have been influenced by the Rev. Leroy Attles’ leadership over the past 50 years.  The celebration will be held and hosted by St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cambridge. 

Guest preachers to include:

Tuesday May 15, 7:00 p.m. - The Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Ebenezer AME Church, Ft. Washington, MD

Wednesday, May 16, 7:00 p.m. - The Rev. Brenda Payne, Payne Chapel AME Church, Houston, TX

Thursday, May 17, 7:00 pm - The Rev. Dr. Charles Adams, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Detroit, MI

Friday, May 18, 7:00 p.m.  - The Rev. Paul Robeson Ford, invited, Union Baptist Church, Cambridge, MA

Saturday, May 19, 8:00 a.m. -12 Noon   Salute from the Sons and Daughters of Attles

Remarks from the Rev. Kanice Johns, Mt. Zion AME Church, Norristown, PA

Sunday, May 20, 8:15 a.m. - The Rev. Dr. Louis Attles, LaMott AME Church, Elkins Park, PA

Sunday, May 20, 10:45 a.m. - The Rev. Dr. Leroy Attles, Sr., Associate Minister, New Bethel AME Church, Lakeland, FL and author, A Servants Testimony of God’s Faithfulness

For those traveling to Cambridge a block of hotel rooms are on hold at the Cambridge Marriott Hotel at the rate of $289.00, plus tax.  If you would like to reserve a room please contact the hotel no later than May 4, 2012 at 617-494-6600.

13. “TAKING ACTION: MAKING A DIFFERENCE”

*Julia Wright Harrison

On April 16, 2012 members of the Historic Saint James AME Church and members of the Sanford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. co-sponsored a Social Action Symposium entitled “Taking Action: Making A Difference.”  Historic Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church is located in Sanford, Florida and the Rev. Dr. Cedric E. Cuthbert is the Senior Pastor.

Both the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, beginnings are both well established in fostering the needs of the disenfranchised. So it is not unusual that the AME Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. join forces here in Sanford to ensure that all citizens receive relevant and pertinent Social Action information.

Panelists included: Michael Ertel, Seminole County Supervisor of Elections; Suzanne D. Hill, volunteer representing Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy (SACSON); Attorney Eurilynne Williams¸ Seminole County Guardian Ad Litem, and Patricia Southward, representing the Seminole County League of Women Voters.

Symposium attendees received information and were permitted to pose inquiries regarding: How and when to register to vote, how receive updates on voting issues and upcoming deadlines, early voting deadlines for Seminole County, assisted attendees who have no identification documents start that process, discussion of services offered by Guardian Ad Litem, and a discussions on how to recognize voter suppression tactics and how to prevail over these actions.

Members of the Sanford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority are planning to continue this Social Action Initiative throughout the Seminole County area in conjunction with other local African Methodist Episcopal Churches. "Hopefully, others will invite their county's Supervisor of Elections for clarity in preparation for November." says Pastor Cuthbert

*Julia Wright Harrison is the Programming Director at Historic Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sanford, Florida

14. EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR AWARDED DOCTORAL DEGREE:

Dr. PAM DeVeaux will be awarded the prestigious honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at the graduation ceremonies of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.

The Interdenominational Center is located in Atlanta, Georgia

15. TRIUMPHANT FROM TRAUMATIC MOMENTS IN LIFE:

*Jackie James

In observance of National Sexual Assault Awareness month, the congregation of Grant African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Chesilhurst, New Jersey sponsored a service entitled “Thank God I Am a Survivor” on April 29, 2012. There were congregants, health professionals and visitors gathered from various parts of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia in attendance for this special time.

The program included testimonies from people who survived various tragic moments in their lives. The speakers included: Rudy Tucker from Long Branch, New Jersey, Roche’ Halty-Moore from Sicklerville, New Jersey, and Richard Furr from Philadelphia, PA. Rudy Tucker is a survivor of extreme illness; he was healed of pancreatic cancer, liver and kidney malfunctions in 2011. Roche’ Halty-Moore survived a traumatic act of domestic violence which left her paralyzed as a result of spinal damage. She is in the healing process, and is now learning to walk again with leg braces. Richard Furr survived an attempted murder and broken familial relationships, and testified that God saved his life and restored his relationships with his children. The powerful stories of these individuals made an impact on worshippers and empowered others that are presently facing negative situations.

The service order also included a prayer by Rev. Carol Rogers, Associate minister of First AME Church of Manassas, VA and scripture reading by Minister Pamela Higgins of Philadelphia, PA, spoken word by Diane Foster, musical selections by Rochelle Parks, Rosemary Stewart-Whaley and William Watkins, all who have survived through turbulent moments of life and words of inspiration by Michelle Goodman-Rollins, licensed social worker and mental health counselor.

Ms. Barbara J. Wilson, author of “Mute, but Now I Speak” was the keynote speaker from Fredericksburg, Virginia. She shared with the congregation her story of sexual abuse as a child between the ages of 8-13 years old, and her internal struggle to overcome the negative feelings and emotions thereafter. Although it was a long process, Ms. Wilson shared “Regardless of what you have to go through, you must forgive so you can be free.” The book she published in 2011 is her personal testimony as a means to help others in similar situations find healing and power.

Pastor DeLishia Boykin encouraged survivors “It is important to pray and develop a closer relationship with Almighty God after surviving traumatic events. It is also necessary to advocate for others after God has delivered you.” Congregants were given the opportunity to donate to a local counseling facility for victims of abuse, MGR Counseling, and were issued a charge by Pastor Boykin to assist others with encouraging words, financial support and advocacy. Pastor Boykin, a two-time survivor of domestic violence, volunteers for the local domestic violence shelter and speaks at national conferences to educate and empower others on this sensitive issue.  

Rochelle Y. Parks, congregant, commented “It was a tear jerking service. There was time for reflection on our past and time to focus on what God is doing for us right now. I am grateful to be a part of such an awesome service.”

Following the testimonies, poems and spoken word, the congregation was invited for a time of fellowship which included book signings for “Mute, but now I Speak” and “Irreconcilable Differences” by Ronnie C. Dawson, and an informational session with mental health and social service professionals regarding the services available to victims. 

*Jackie James is the Administrative Assistant at Grant Community Development Corporation

16. U.S. HOUSE CONDONES RACIAL PROFILING OF LATINOS AND OTHER MINORITIES:

U.S. House Condones Racial Profiling of Latinos and Other Minorities

Amendment Blocks DOJ’s Ability to Challenge State Anti-Immigrant Laws

WASHINGTON — Late last night, the House of Representatives pushed through an amendment that would cut off the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ability to bring new challenges or join existing challenges to nine specific state racial profiling, anti-immigrant laws.

The amendment, introduced by Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.), was offered on the FY2013 Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) Appropriations bill, and would prohibit the DOJ from originating or joining any legal challenge to laws passed by Arizona, Alabama, Utah and South Carolina, where DOJ already has pending litigation, as well as certain laws in Georgia and Indiana, where the ACLU has sued, and in Missouri and Oklahoma, where two omnibus anti-immigrant laws have been in effect for several years.

“The House has made it clear it condones racial profiling by stripping the DOJ of its prospective ability to challenge these discriminatory laws that target Latinos and other minorities,” said Laura W. Murphy, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. “It’s bad enough that state lawmakers want to target certain minority groups for harassment, but now our federally elected representatives want to slam the door shut on the Justice Department’s ability to protect our Constitutional rights. This is an all-out attack on the innocent victims of these state profiling laws, including children and U.S. citizens.”

Murphy warned that Black’s funding limitation would establish a dangerous precedent by opening the door to congressional restraints on federal litigation by future administrations on any issue.

The final vote was 238 yeas; 173 nays, with 226 Republicans in favor of the amendment, and 167 Democrats against. The amendment passed at 12:14 a.m.

The Senate has not yet marked up its FY2013 CJS Appropriations bill.

Submitted by Sandhya Bathija, (202) 675-2312; media@dcaclu.org

17. IRS URGES TAXPAYERS TO AVOID BECOMING VICTIMS OF TAX SCAMS:

 

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to guard against being misled by unscrupulous individuals trying to persuade them to file false claims for tax credits or rebates.

The IRS has noted an increase in tax-return-related scams, frequently involving unsuspecting taxpayers who normally do not have a filing requirement in the first place. These taxpayers are led to believe they should file a return with the IRS for tax credits, refunds or rebates for which they are not really entitled. Many of these recent scams have been targeted in the South and Midwest.

Most paid tax return preparers provide honest and professional service, but there are some who engage in fraud and other illegal activities.   Unscrupulous promoters deceive people into paying for advice on how to file false claims. Some promoters may charge unreasonable amounts for preparing legitimate returns that could have been prepared for free by the IRS or IRS sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance partners. In other situations, identity theft is involved.

Taxpayers should be wary of any of the following:

Fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on excess or withheld Social Security benefits.

Claims that Treasury Form 1080 can be used to transfer funds from the Social Security Administration to the IRS enabling a payout from the IRS.

Unfamiliar for-profit tax services teaming up with local churches.

Home-made flyers and brochures implying credits or refunds are available without proof of eligibility.

Offers of free money with no documentation required.

Promises of refunds for “Low Income – No Documents Tax Returns.”

Claims for the expired Economic Recovery Credit Program or Recovery Rebate Credit.

Advice on claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit based on exaggerated reports of self-employment income.

In some cases non-existent Social Security refunds or rebates have been the bait used by the con artists.  In other situations, taxpayers deserve the tax credits they are promised but the preparer uses fictitious or inflated information on the return which results in a fraudulent return.

Flyers and advertisements for free money from the IRS, suggesting that the taxpayer can file with little or no documentation, have been appearing in community churches around the country. Promoters are targeting church congregations, exploiting their good intentions and credibility. These schemes also often spread by word of mouth among unsuspecting and well-intentioned people telling their friends and relatives.

Promoters of these scams often prey upon low income individuals and the elderly.

They build false hopes and charge people good money for bad advice.  In the end, the victims discover their claims are rejected or the refund barely exceeds what they paid the promoter.  Meanwhile, their money and the promoters are long gone.

Unsuspecting individuals are most likely to get caught up in scams and the IRS is warning all taxpayers, and those that help others prepare returns, to remain vigilant. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Anyone with questions about a tax credit or program should visit www.IRS.gov, call the IRS toll-free number at 800-829-1040 or visit a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

For questions about rebates, credit and benefits from other federal agencies contact the relevant agency directly for accurate information.

18. TAX SCAM WARNING: BEWARE OF PHONY REFUND SCHEME ABUSING POPULAR COLLEGE TAX CREDIT; SENIOR CITIZENS, WORKING FAMILIES AND CHURCH MEMBERS ARE TARGETS:

WASHINGTON –– The Internal Revenue Service today warned senior citizens and other taxpayers to beware of an emerging scheme tempting them to file tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds.

The scheme carries a common theme of promising refunds to people who have little or no income and normally don’t have a tax filing requirement. Under the scheme, promoters claim they can obtain for their victims, often senior citizens, a tax refund or nonexistent stimulus payment based on the American Opportunity Tax Credit, even if the victim was not enrolled in or paying for college.

In recent weeks, the IRS has identified and stopped an upsurge of these bogus refund claims coming in from across the United States. The IRS is actively investigating the sources of the scheme, and its promoters may be subject to criminal prosecution.

“This is a disgraceful effort by scam artists to take advantage of people by giving them false hopes of a nonexistent refund,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “We want to warn innocent taxpayers about this new scheme before more people get trapped.”

Typically, con artists falsely claim that refunds are available even if the victim went to school decades ago. In many cases, scammers are targeting seniors, people with very low incomes and members of church congregations with bogus promises of free money.

The IRS has also seen a variation of this scheme that incorrectly claims the college credit is available to compensate people for paying taxes on groceries.

The IRS has already detected and stopped thousands of these fraudulent claims. Nevertheless, the scheme can still be quite costly for victims. Promoters may charge exorbitant upfront fees to file these claims and are often long gone when victims discover they’ve been scammed.

The IRS is reminding people to be careful because all taxpayers, including those who use paid tax preparers, are legally responsible for the accuracy of their returns, and must repay any refunds received in error.

To get the facts on tax benefits related to education, go to the Tax Benefits for Education Information Center on IRS.gov.

To avoid becoming ensnared in this scheme, the IRS says taxpayers should beware of any of the following:

• Fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on false statements of entitlement to tax credits.

• Unfamiliar for-profit tax services selling refund and credit schemes to the membership of local churches.

• Internet solicitations that direct individuals to toll-free numbers and then solicit social security numbers.

• Homemade flyers and brochures implying credits or refunds are available without proof of eligibility.

• Offers of free money with no documentation required.

• Promises of refunds for “Low Income – No Documents Tax Returns.”

• Claims for the expired Economic Recovery Credit Program or for economic stimulus payments.

• Unsolicited offers to prepare a return and split the refund.

• Unfamiliar return preparation firms soliciting business from cities outside of the normal business or commuting area.

This refund scheme features many of the warning signs IRS cautions taxpayers to watch for when choosing a tax preparer. For advice on choosing a competent tax professional, see Tips for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer on IRS.gov.

19. ARC ANNOUNCES NEW WEBINARS AND SPEAKER LINE-UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE NATIONAL CONFERENCE TOPICS:

The Applied Research Center announces New Webinars and Speaker Line-up for Racial Justice National Conference Topics Include Millennials, Occupy Activism, Presidential Election, Pop Culture; Keynote Speaker Junot Díaz

May 11, 2012 (New York, NY) - A leader in the racial justice movement, the Applied Research Center (ARC) today announced a schedule of upcoming webinars and speaker line-up for its Facing Race national conference, with a new promotional video presented by ARC Executive Director Rinku Sen, including testimonials from Melissa Harris Perry, Maria Teresa Kumar, Van Jones, and Ai-jen Poo. Facing Race will be held in Baltimore, MD, from November 15-17, with Junot Díaz keynoting. Registration and information is available at www.arc.org/facingrace .

With a mission to popularize racial justice, ARC programs are inclusive and interactive, bringing people together in online community, webinars, and in-person conferences. ARC is thrilled to present webinars covering a wide range of topics throughout the year that will help people to advance racial justice in their own spheres, leading up to Facing Race -- the largest national, multi-racial gathering of leaders, educators, journalists, artists, and activists on racial justice.

ARC is holding two free informational webinars: “Millennials, Activism & Race” (May 24 - registration open at arc.org/webinars) and “Building Healthy Communities: Good Food and Good Jobs” (June 21). ARC will also be offering skill-building webinars over the course of the year, including: "Challenging Racism Systematically" (July 19), "Racial Justice Impact Assessment" (Aug 23), and two sessions in the fall on Voting Rights and Reproductive Rights.

Celebrating 30 years in the racial justice movement, ARC has a multi-racial and multi-generational staff with extensive expertise and experience. As publisher of Colorlines.com, ARC works through the news cycle to investigate and explicitly confront racism, challenging concepts like “colorblindness” and “post-racial,” and working on solutions that move beyond “diversity” and toward equity.

Junot Díaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and 2012 Facing Race keynote speaker commented on the so-called “post-race” state of the nation saying that “....events like ARC Facing Race Conference are of paramount importance, not only for the important activism and theorizing that they engender but, because it is in these spaces of deliberations that we come in contact with the promise of a just anti-racist future.”

The Facing Race conference will be co-emceed by comedian W. Kamau Bell and social media maven Deanna Zandt, with plenary sessions on “Elections, Governance & Policy,” “Race, Gender and the 21^st Century,” and “Arts, Media, Culture.” Presenters include Judith Browne Dianis, Jeff Chang, Negin Farsad, Maria Hinojosa, Sally Kohn, Janet Mock, and Michael Omi. Facing Race will be held in Baltimore, MD from Nov 15-17, 2012. Registration available at www.arc.org/facingrace .

In addition to other programs, the Applied Research Center offers an array of consultation services, including training, curriculum design, public presentations, evaluation, webinars, and strategic coaching.

ABOUT ARC – The Applied Research Center (ARC) is a 30-year-old racial justice think tank that uses media, research and activism to promote solutions. ARC’s mission is to popularize racial justice and prepare people to achieve it. ARC also serves as the publisher of Colorlines.com, a daily news site offering award-winning reporting, analysis, and solutions to today’s racial justice issues. For more information on ARC’s work, please visit www.arc.org.

For press passes or media inquiries, please contact media@arc.org.

20. MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 119:97-105:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I like to travel, especially by car.  I’ve driven in many cities, but I still remember my first Atlanta, Georgia driving experience, when my wife and I were newly married and Atlanta was a favorite weekend getaway destination not far from our Columbia, SC home.  I was confident of my driving skills, knew which exit to take for our hotel and didn’t think that I needed directions - regardless of what women think, all men believe that we’re born with an innate sense of direction.

I did just fine coming into the city, reached downtown, pulled into the left lane to get around slower drivers, and learned something new - that major urban Interstate highways sometimes have exit lanes on the left instead of on the right and that what I thought was the passing lane was actually an exit lane.  We still found our hotel with minimal trouble - as soon as I asked a guy in the huge public housing project we ended up lost in when I took the wrong exit for directions!

That experience taught me to be more careful about checking maps and planning routes, I now have the luxury of a GPS system that’s right most of the time, but on the rare occasion when I still get lost, I no longer hesitate to ask for directions - even guys get lost sometimes!

What I learned on that initial Atlanta road trip applies to our daily lives.  Most of us set goals for success and carefully map out plans to reach those goals.  We often, however, encounter unexpected detours, roadblocks and dead ends that can make our goals harder to reach and leave us lost, confused and wondering which way to turn to get to where we want to be in life.

That’s why it’s good to read and appreciate God’s Word and to go to God in prayer.  God’s Word offers direction and inspiration from others who served and trusted in the Lord as they traveled life’s highways.  Going to God in prayer affords us the opportunity to get directions for life from the God who made us, knows us best, never fails to bless us and never leads us wrong.

Take the time each day to go to God in prayer and to read and contemplate God’s Word.  You’ll find new direction, new inspiration, new assurance of blessings and an appreciation for the words of the Psalmist who said, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

If you are in the Charleston, South Caro9lina area this weekend, join us on the Second Sunday in May for Church School at 8:45 am and for Worship at 10 am, when we will celebrate Mothers’ Day and the beginning of our Season of Family and Friends with Family and Friends’ Day.  The Combined Choir, Gospel Choir, Children’s Choir and Young Adult Choir will offer praise.

           

Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:

Joshua 24:8-15

I John 3:1-6

Luke 8:16-21

Sunday’s Sermon is: “Let God Guide Your Family”

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

21. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

- The Rev. Faith and the Rev. Paul Mugala of the 17th Episcopal District to Celebrate Silver Wedding Anniversary

The Rev. Faith and the Rev. Paul Mugala of the 17th Episcopal District will celebrate their 25^th Silver Wedding Anniversary on May 10, 2012.

The Rev. Paul Mugala shares, "I celebrate 25-years in marriage to a beautiful vivacious young woman of God and mother of our special Five Jewels God has blessed us with in Elizabeth Chiwanza Mugala-DaCosta, Mary Nachamba Mugala, Elizabeth's twin sister soon to be married; Paul Muwemba Musole Mugala, Jr., son; Kambuza Alice Nachalwe Mugala, daughter; and baby son Lyapa Kambole Samuel Mugala. I declare I married up, she still looks excellent and beautiful.  I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful woman of God as bone of my bones and helpmeet. We were married on Sunday, May 10th, 1987 at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa one of the countries in the 17^th Episcopal District where the Rev. Paul M. Mugala, Sr., through God's Vision is the pastor of one of the newly established Shalom Tabernacle AME Church under the Presiding Prelate leadership of Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe and the late Supervisor Mother Yvonne C.M. Kawimbe, "in glory." Please continue to pray for us and the entire Mugala clan that God will continue to be glorified in our midst.

To God be the Glory for great things He keeps doing and has done."

Congratulatory email can be sent to:

The Rev. Paul Mugala: mugalapm@gmail.com

The Rev. Faith Mugala - fmugala@lenawee.org

Submitted by the Rev. Paul Mugala, 17th Episcopal District

- Miss Shade' A. Hyche will receive doctorate degree in Jurisprudence

Miss Shade' A. Hyche, former Connectional YPD Communications Secretary and Editor, The Gazette, will receive her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (J.D.) on May 19, 2012, from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University. Shade’ is the daughter of Presiding Elder Albert L. Hyche and Attorney Ida Tyree Hyche, International Editor, WMS Magazine.

Congratulatory email can be sent to: idatyreehyche@gmail.com

- Clergy in Eighth Episcopal District to Graduate from Payne Theological Seminary

When graduation is held for Payne Theological Seminary on the campus of Wilberforce University on May 18, 2012, four of the members of the graduating class will be clergy from the 8th Episcopal District where Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry is the Presiding Prelate.

Graduating on May 18th will be the Rev. Earl Robinson, the Rev. Keith Sanders, the Rev. Allen Williams, and the Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D. Three of the four are in ministry in the Central New Orleans-Bogalusa District of the Louisiana Conference where the Rev. J. K. Holiday is the Presiding Elder.

- The Rev. Earl Robinson is the pastor of Belview AME Church in Franklinton, Louisiana.

- The Rev. Keith Sanders, who served as President of the Payne Student Government Association for the year 2011-12, is the pastor of Gaines Chapel AME Church in Franklinton, LA.

- The Rev. Allen Williams, who is the Connectional Secretary for RAYAC and the Eighth District Director of Music and Christian Arts, is Associate Minister of Music at Union Bethel AME Church, New Orleans, LA where the Rev. Dr.  Thomas B. Brown, Jr. is pastor and he is also the Minister of Music at St. Peter- Carrollton AME Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he is also a member. The Rev. David E. Smith is the pastor.

- The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D., is pastor of Solomon Chapel AME Church in Cleveland Mississippi. Solomon Chapel is part of the Greenwood-Greenville District of the North Mississippi Conference where the Rev. Archie Smith is the Presiding Elder.

Many thanks are expressed to those who supported our endeavors by thought, word or deed.

Congratulatory comments can be sent to:

The Rev. Earl Robinson: erobinson@student.payne.edu

The Rev. Keith Sanders; ksanders@student.payne.edu

The Rev. Allen Williams: awilliams@student.payne.edu

The Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D; glenell1@aol.com or gpruitt@student.payne.edu

*Submitted by Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt

- Mrs. Kami Thompson Winfrey will receive the Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science and a Minor in Psychology from Troy University (Alabama)

Mrs. Kami Winfrey, spouse of the Rev. James Winfrey III, Pastor, Collins Chapel AME Church in New Brockton, Alabama will graduate on Friday, May 11, 2012 from Troy University. The Commencement Exercises will be held on the Troy University Campus in Troy, Alabama.

Words of Congratulations can be sent to:

Mrs. Kami Winfrey

140 Donnell Circle

Daleville, Alabama 36322

Email Address: kami1920@gmail.com

Submitted by:

Allie Bell-Reddick, Administrative Support, Office of the Dothan-Eufaula District 

- Elizabeth Danielle Whiting will receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology

Congratulations to Elizabeth Danielle Whiting, daughter of the Rev. Joyce and Brother Theodore Whiting of Parks Chapel AME Church in Dothan, Alabama, where the Rev. Rodney D. Smith is the pastor. Elizabeth will receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology. In July, Elizabeth will be relocating to Corvallis, Oregon where she will be working for Hewlett-Packard (HP). Please keep Elizabeth in your prayers!

Commencement Ceremonies will be held at the Georgia Dome at 9:00 a.m.

Words of Congratulations can be sent to:

Elizabeth Whiting

2913 Ellington Street

Dothan, Alabama 36301

Telephone: 334.792-5692

*Submitted by:

Allie Bell-Reddick, Administrative Support, Office of the Dothan-Eufaula District

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Jovanna Archer, The daughter of the Rev Emmett Lee, retired pastor of the Chicago Annual Conference.  The Rev. Jovanna Archer passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11am at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rev. Darryl Williams, officiating.

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Emmett Lee

3718 N 20th Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53206

Phone:  414-444-9181

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Rose Mary Taylor, the older sister of the Rev. Douglas Taylor, pastor of Bethel AME Church, New Orleans, LA.  Mrs. Rose Mary Taylor passed on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Rose Mary Taylor:

Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

New Providence Baptist Church

17173 Highway 63 North

Leakesville, MS 39451

Phone: (601) 394-6082

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Douglas Taylor, Pastor

Bethel AME Church

1437 Caffin Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70117

Telephone: (504) 943-1034

Contact phone number for the Rev. Douglas Taylor: (504) 251-1599

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share news of the passing of Sister Freddie Bell Bennett, mother of Augusta Georgia Conference WMS President, Jeanette Turner and Immediate past President of the Augusta Georgia Conference WMS, Eva Lowery of the 6th Episcopal District.

Sister Bennett passed away on May 07, 2012. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Greater Saint Matthew AME Church in Louisville, Georgia. Mrs. Freddie was a member of the Gertrude Walker Missionary Society, served on the Trustee Board as well as held many other capacities before her health declined. She will be sadly missed from our midst. She leaves to cherish fond memories nine children: Eva, Shellie, Pauline, Jeanell, Jeanette, Dorothy, Brenda, Albert, and Jeffery.

Service Arrangements for the Sister Freddie Bell Bennett:

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Funeral: 11:00 a.m.

The Rev. James Days, Officiating

The Rev. Daniel Thomas, Eulogist

Greater Saint Matthew AME Church

653 Hill Street

Louisville, Georgia 30434

(478) 625-9409

The family asks of those present that Missionaries be dressed in White and YPD'ers be dressed in Green & White.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to:

Garrer Funeral Home

608 Beech Street

Louisville, Georgia 30434

(478) 625-7911

Condolences may be sent to:

Jeanette Turner

3404 Kensington Court

Augusta, Georgia 30906

Contact Number: (706) 589-5714

And

Eva Lowery

301 Spruce Street

Louisville, Georgia 30434

Contact Number: (478) 494-0926

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Delia Shirley (Fant) Fairley, the mother of the Rev. Thomas H. Fant and mother-in-law of Mrs. Toni Fant. Rev. Fant is pastor of St. Stephen AME Church, Toledo, Ohio.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Delia Shirley Fant Farley are scheduled as follows:

The Wake Visitation: Thursday May 10, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Mann-Hare Hoening Funeral Home

407 N. Countyline St.

Fostoria, OH 44830.

Telephone: (419) 435-6694

Fax: (419) 435-5518

Homegoing Service: Friday May 11, 2012 at 12:00 Noon

Faith Chapel AME Church

220 Sycamore St.

Fostoria, OH 44830.

Phone # (419) 435-9406

The Rev. Archie White, Pastor

Words of sympathy and comfort may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Thomas H. (Toni) Fant

417 Mill Pond Drive

Sandusky, OH 44870

Home: 419-625-3725

Cell Phone: 419-503-2391

Email Address: tomf@buckeye-express.com

26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Reverend Leroy Miller, Sr., age 76 of Raleigh, (Superannuate of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference), departed this life on Saturday, April 28, 2012. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at St. Paul AME Church, 402 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh. The Rev. G.L. Edmond, pastor/officiating. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM-12:00 noon prior to services at the church. The Rev. Miller was preceded in death by a daughter, Loretta M. Burney. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Taylor Miller of Raleigh; his son, Leroy Miller Jr. (Veronica) of Durham; his daughters, Reba Miller of MD, Clara Miller Leathers of Clayton, Jacqueline A. Battle of Raleigh and Coretta L. Miller of Durham; a sister, The Rev. Mary Walker of Wake Forest; a brother, Allen Miller (Jackie) of Youngsville; 7 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

William Toney's Funeral Home, 216 E. Barbee St., Zebulon, NC 27591, (919) 269-9652 Fax (919) 269-8360 www.williamtoneys.com/   williamtoneys@gmail.com

Cards & Expressions of Love can be sent to: Mrs. Rebecca Taylor Miller (wife) 4313 Warfield Place Raleigh, NC 27604 (919) 212-2419

Online Memory Wall:

http://www.williamtoneys.com/new_view.php?id=94204

27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

On Wednesday, May 2, 2012, Mrs. Mathabo Rose Ncube was called home to glory after a short illness. She was the wife of the Rev. R. Alex Ncube, Pastor of Onesimus Manamela AME Church in Aganang, South Africa. Mrs. Ncube was the 2^nd Vice-President of the Area WMS of the MM Mokone Conference.

Memorial Service:

Wednesday 9 May 2012, 13:30

Sehlako Primary School Hall

Ga-Setshaba

Funeral Service:

Saturday 12 May 2012, 06:30 a.m.

Lebotlwane Tribal Hall

RSA

Expressions of condolence may be sent to:

The Rev. RA Ncube: rev.ncube@gmail.com

Cell phone: +27 82 055 2308

Please remember the Ncube family in your payers.

The Rev. GP Lesito - Reporter

Bishop Jeffrey N Leath, Presiding Prelate - 19^th Episcopal District

28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you that Sherrita M. Hymes passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida. She was 37-years-old. Sherrita is the daughter of the Rev. Melvin and Mrs. Helen Hymes, pastor and first lady of St. Paul AME Church in Fort Pierce, Florida.

The Home going Celebration for Sherrita will be:

Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 1:00 P.M.

Mount Herman AME Church

17800 N.W. 25th Avenue

Miami Gardens, FL 33056

Telephone: (305) 621-5067

The Rev. Michael K. Bouie, Pastor

Services Entrusted to:

Hadley-Davis Funeral Home

16505 N.W. 27^th Avenue

Miami, FL 33054 Phone

(305) 816-6882

The family will receive guests on Thursday & Friday (5/9-5/10) at4261 N.W. 178th Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL 33055.

In lieu of floral arrangements a trust fund for Sherrita's children, Leterius and Nikiya Smith has been established at: Wells Fargo Bank - Account Number:  8431574212.

Sympathy cards may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Melvin Hymes

St. Paul AME Church

1405 N. 27^th Avenue

Ft. Pierce, FL 34947

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

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  

30. 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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