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
1. EDITORIAL – MESSENGER,
TRAILBLAZER, STRATEGIST, VISIONARY, SOCIAL ENGINEER, ACTIVIST, SON OF THE SOUTH,
BRIDGE BUILDER, TEACHER, PREACHER, SHEPHERD:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The
Christian Recorder
The Service of Celebration for Bishop Hamil Hartford Brookins
says that he was a messenger,
trailblazer, strategist, visionary, social engineer, activist, son of the
south, bridge builder, teacher, preacher, and shepherd. The program bulletin
goes on to say that Bishop Hamil Hartford Brookins “was all of these titles and
then some.”
Bishops, general officers, connectional officers, pastors,
laity, visitors, distinguished guest and everyone else attended the funeral for
a beloved bishop; and thousands viewed the vide-streamed Service of Celebration
for the Right Reverend Hamel Hartford Brookins.
Fond memories
I have fond memories of Bishop Brookins because I worked closely
with him when he was the Ecumenical Officer and Endorsing Agent for the African
Methodist Episcopal Church. Later he became my Bishop when he was assigned as
the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District. I had a lot of
time to get to know Bishop Brookins and, if I had to add a couple of more “then
some” titles to Bishop Brookins’ titles listed in the program bulletin, I would
add, “Caring episcopal leader, a down to earth, authentic, generous,
straight-forward, mentor, especially of young preachers, pioneer in pastoral
appointments of female clergy; and the list can go on and on. He was authentic.
Preachers, even pastors of small churches, felt comfortable talking with Bishop
Brookins; he had a way of making people feel comfortable. He had a smile and a
gleam in his eye and one could get the impression that it was no use on putting
on any pretenses because Bishop Brookins could see right through any pretenses
and he could “read” preachers and laity too.
When he was the AME Endorsing Agent for the federal chaplain
ministry and I was the president of the AME Chaplains Association, there were
several times, I thought that he needed to “come down a little harder” on the
chaplains and he would he would smile, with that gleam in his eye, and say, “Don’t
worry about it; it’ll be okay.”
Bishop Brookins knew how to run an Annual Conference and he knew
how to make annual conferences fun. I enjoyed driving to every one of his
annual conferences; I actually had a great time; I think everybody did.
I remember one pastor, who must have had a rough year. He went
to the microphone to give his annual pastor’s report. He approached the
microphone slowly as if he was tired. He began with the statement, “Bishop,
this has been a rough year, the people were not…,” and it was at that point
that Bishop Brookins in a pastoral way held up his hand and with a gleam in his
eye and a smile on his lips said, “I hear you telling us what was wrong. Were there any good things that happened last
year? I don’t want you to focus on the negative things; share with us some of
the good things that happened. Pastoral reports should focus on the positive
and that might make you feel good and it might encourage your people who here
with you. I want all of you pastors to hear what I am saying; we need to be
more positive about our pastoral ministry.”
That pastor broke into the widest smile and affirmatively shook
his head and went on to give a positive pastoral report that ended with,
“Bishop, I want to go back.” The
delegate standing with him shouted, “That’s right bishop, we want our pastor
back and we are going to work with him.”
The tone for that, and the subsequent Annual Conferences that
Bishop Brookins held, was set.
Bishop Brookins held leisurely annual conferences, but all of
the business was completed. Bishop H. Hartford Brookins was a pastor of
pastors.
The Homegoing Celebration
The Homegoing Celebration for Bishop Brookins was a fitting
celebration and many of us learned a lot more about his ministry. I believe it
was the Governor who said, “I finally found out what the ‘H’ in his first name,
H. Hartford Brookins stands for.”
A “rags to riches” life
story and ministry
He was the seventh child of Mississippi sharecroppers, which meant
that he was poor; sharecroppers have never been identified as middle-class;
they have always been defined as poor. He could identify with the poor, but he
didn’t let his early life of poverty define his life. He rose above poverty and
his parental upbringing, religious and spiritual nurturing, and his subsequent
education at Wilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary put “fire in
his gut” and motivated him to strive to be the “best of the best.”
He started his ministry in Mississippi in the 8th
Episcopal District; rose through the pastoral ranks to assume the pastorate of
First AME Church, Los Angeles in the 5th Episcopal District; and was
elected and consecrated the 91st Bishop of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
His obituary said, "From the beginning of his ministry,
Bishop Brookins could capture the congregation's attention with his fiery and
impassioned delivery. He spread the message of God's Word with energy and
enthusiasm, whether preaching to ten or ten-thousand. His rich baritone and
crisp diction filled rooms with
directions to ‘Give God praise, praise Him one more time, now praise Him again
like you mean it!’ He had his own style of hooping and would bring the church
to its feet as he lifted his arms and threw back his head while calling upon
the Lord.”
Bishop Brookins appreciated education and was active in the
Civil Rights Movement and uplift for the African American community during his
ministry in Kansas and in California. He understood the importance of the Civil
Rights’ Movement and the importance of the support and leadership of the AME
Church.
He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was unwavering
in his support of equal rights and
gender equality. He understood that the world was his parish and his ministry
extended far and wide beyond the wall of the local church.
He challenged the members of the churches he pastored to dream
big and to pursue their dreams with their heads up, shoulders back and
surrounded by the shield of faith.
His ministry reach was
far and wide
He vigorously supported many of the political candidates in the
local and national political elections during his ministry and was especially
influential when he was the pastor at First AME Church in Los Angeles.
All of the present and former politicians who spoke at Bishop
Brookins’ homegoing celebration spoke about his influence helping their
political careers.
A message from President William (Bill) Clinton; remarks from
U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Governor Edmund Brown, retired Governor Gray
Davis, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilwoman Jan Perry and
former presidential candidate, the Rev. Jesse Jackson underscore the far-reach
of Bishop Brookins’ ministry and influence.
He was not only influential in the lives of politicians, but his
spiritual reach was long and wide. AME bishops, general officers, connectional
officers, episcopal supervisors, pastors and leaders from other denominations
lauded the ministry of Bishop H. Hartford Brookins; he was a man for all seasons.
The Celebration of the Life of Bishop H. Hartford Brookins was
officiated by Bishop John R. Bryant, AMEC Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate
of the 4th Episcopal District and the inspiring eulogy was delivered
by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal
District.
Every speaker, every politician, every bishop, every preacher,
every relative, and everybody who spoke had a Bishop Brookins story.
Bishop Brookins touched men and women in high places and he
touched men, women, boys and girls who were just regular people – he touched
all classes of people without regard for their social standing. He knew how to
put people at ease. He was authentic and genuine.
In retirement, Bishop Brookins “provided counsel and encouragement
for seasoned and neophyte clergypersons.”
The Service of Celebration bulletin states, “While he walked
with powerful leaders and power brokers, he was available to the everyday
people, greeting the newspaper vendor with equal enthusiasm. He enjoyed a good
cup of coffee and watching the Los Angeles Dodgers ballgames. He prayed with
and for visitors at church and wherever he happened to be. He encouraged his
brothers and sisters in African Methodism to ‘never let go of the church, never
let go of God.’"
Bishop Hamil Hartford Brookins is survived by his wife the Rev.
Rosalind Kyle Brookins; their son Sir-Wellington Hartford Brookins; his son
Stephen Hartford Brookins and his daughter, the Rev. Francine a Brookins; his
brother Herbert "Sandy" Brookins (Shirley), and one granddaughter
Marina Brookins and a host of other relatives and numerous friends.
2.
READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
Thank you
for keeping The Christian Recorder so
alive and vital. I love reading it - TCR is always a wealth of information;
and that was a very special tribute that you wrote about Bishop Chappelle. He was a classmate to my beloved Bishop
Robert Thomas (Mother Beverly Thomas) and my current Bishop John Bryant.
I want to
thank you for the article you wrote about Mother Beverly Thomas and the Fine
Arts program at Camp Baber (May 14, 2012) This week, we will be sending over 90
gifted and talented students from the 4th Episcopal District and
Michigan Conference to camp where they will take classes in music, choral,
concert band, drama, dance, news writing (maybe some future writers for The Christian Recorder), spoken word and
photography. They will train with
teachers and professionals in their field of study. We have worked hard all year to fund raise
and 90% of the students will receive full scholarships. Mother Beverly and her team believe that
music and the arts can change the trajectory of a young person's life, and in a
country where many schools no longer offer these classes, we hope that the AME
Church through the work we do at Camp Baber and the Fine Arts Institute can
fill that void.
I hope
everyone will take the time to meet Mother Beverly at GC in Nashville. She will be having an Art Exhibition are the
Opryland on Friday June 29. She is so
compassionate and interesting -- she is a musician, artist, educator and former
Supervisor who starting painting while assigned and living in South Africa with
Bishop Robert Thomas.
Best
regards,
Your most
faithful reader
Tina
Stephens
3. REFLECTIONS OF THE GENERAL BOARD
MEETING IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI:
The Rev.
Velma E. Grant, MDiv, ThM
People were
milling around early in the morning in the hotel restaurant and as I was
preparing to order breakfast, the young man in the wheel chair stopped and
inquired if there was a church convention taking place in the hotel. Prior to
responding to his question, I inquired why he would ask that question. He
responded that if there was a group of well-dressed African Americans in the
place, then chances are that they were there to attend a church convention. I
could have taken the response personally (people could have been there for a
corporate business summit) but I informed the young man that the AME Church was
in fact convening for a General Board Meeting. Thankfully, the behavior of
those gathered did not contradict the behavior of what is expected from church
folks.
In light of
the fact that this is the era of technology, church folks should be intentional
and mindful that behavior which is contradictory can be captured in numerous
ways and broadcast globally in an instance. There are numerous YouTube
video-clips, FaceBook postings of people behaving badly. Let us be in prayer in advance and throughout
the upcoming General Conference that the work of the AME Church, along with the
members of the church will not be captured in a negative light to be viewed by
a global audience.
The General
Board, General Conference Commission and Council of Bishops convened at the St.
Louis Airport Marriott Hotel in Missouri on May 21-22, 2012. In attendance were
active and retired bishops as well as General Officers, Connectional leaders
and their spouses. Also present were representatives from the Episcopal
Districts and many others who were not members of the Board but were interested
in the Board’s activities and discussions (see page 161 of the 2008 AME
Discipline to view the composition of the General Board).
Bishop T.
Larry Kirkland, President of the General Board called the meeting to order on
both meeting days, devotion was conducted by various clergy prior to tackling
the items on each day’s agenda. While there were some tense moments and
discussions at the General Board Meeting as the body considered the 2012-2016
General Budget Proposals, overall, individuals conducted themselves
appropriately and respectfully. It is never easy to discuss finances
particularly church finances, but the discussions are always necessary if the
church deems itself to be an accountable entity that seeks to fulfill God’s
mission.
The
Commission on Statistics and Finance; Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Chair,
introduced the idea of a Zero-Based
Budget and shared that this was the first time that such a budget type was
introduced to the church body. The commission also shared that the proposal to
utilize a Zero-Based Budget would also seek to reduce the Connectional budget
by a certain percentage and still conduct the mission and business of the
church.
Dr. Richard
Allen Lewis, Sr., Treasurer/CFO detailed mandatory budget facts for
consideration and also introduced in phases the recommendations necessary to
meet the 2012-2016 AME Church Budgets. Some items discussed or recommended by
the CFO included: The new bishops 403-B Program; Morris Brown College loan and
other financial items; the AME Church Bicentennial; the elimination over a four
year period of both the Contingency Strategic Impact Planning annual amount as
well as the General Fund Contingency amount; the discussion that all bishops
elected in 2000 and after would be required to retire on one half (1/2) salary
and one half (1/2) travel.
Other items
discussed by the CFO regarding the budget included the addition of one bishop’s
widow (now that will perhaps increase to two with the death of Bishop H.
Brookins); the addition of three retired General Officers as well as an
increase in legal fees as well as a reduction of interest payments for the line
of credit.
The AME
Treasurer has additional information that will be clarified at the General
Conference. Since we are operating as an entity that welcomes queries because
of the church’s appearance of transparency, I believe that the church’s chief
financial officer would be happy to provide the necessary response.
Interesting
comments, questions and opinions as voiced by various individuals include the
following “…cannot approve a concept paper without seeing numbers…the budget in
The Discipline is radically revised by the concept paper…to approve as a budget
is inappropriate because we have no numbers…Is Morris Brown accredited? Can we
get an update on Morris Brown…Need to look on developing a budget that is based
on the mission and objectives of the church…at every level there has been lay
involvement…questions point to the need for a zero-based budget…ask that we
carefully consider our words…when we produce a zero-based budget it will be
based (that) everyone will start with zero-base and will have to justify…there
will be accountability… a radical shift from what we have done in the past…maintain
some enthusiasm, some fire….the book of Discipline does not specify a zero
based budget or an incremental budget, you do a budget that reflects the
mission of the church….the important thing to remember is to make sure that the
budget is designed with the mission of the church…”
So, when we
gather in Nashville, Tennessee and if by chance a stranger stops to inquire if
there is a church convention taking place. The response will be “yes” we the
participants of the convention gather to attend the 49th Quadrennial Session of
the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
As we face
the next Quadrennial, at every level we should remind ourselves that our work,
our lives, our ministries should reflect the mission of the AME Church. The Church
that loves God, that embraces Jesus Christ, promotes equity among genders,
takes care of the infants and elderly, and shows concern for the marginalized
and the oppressed. The daily affirmation should be "it is not about 'me'
but all about God!"
4. AME CHURCH ANNOUNCES FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Mrs. Obama’s visit marks the first time a sitting First Lady has spoken to
the Conference
The
African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest Black religious denomination in
America today announced First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver the keynote
address at the 49th Session of the General Conference on June 28,
2012 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville,
Tennessee. President Barack Obama addressed the AME Conference in 2008 when he
was a U.S. Senator.
Host
Bishop of the Conference, Presiding Prelate Vashti Murphy McKenzie, stated, “We
are extremely honored First Lady Michelle Obama will be sharing her thoughts at
this quadrennial meeting. Mrs. Obama’s
commitment to family as the Mother-In- Chief is encouraging to women around the
world and her leadership in fighting childhood obesity has been embraced by
many of our congregations in the United States.”
Nashville
is part of the 13th Episcopal District, which comprises Tennessee
and Kentucky. The last time the 13th
District hosted the General Conference was in 1996 in Louisville, KY., and this
year is the first time the conference has been held in Nashville since the late
1800s. The mission of the AME Church is to minister to the spiritual,
intellectual, physical, emotional and environmental needs of all people by
spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed.
Every
four years the AME Church assembles for the General Conference when delegates
and leaders from around the world are charged with the responsibility to
discuss; debate and pass significant legislation that will impact the mission
and ministry of this great Zion.
The
African Methodist Episcopal Church has a membership of more than three million
people worldwide with an even broader range of influence. There are
approximately 7,500 churches throughout North and South America as well as
Europe, Africa and India. The Church has
established and supports 12 higher education institutions, helping those with
diverse backgrounds to obtain formal educational opportunities. The Church was
founded in 1787 in Philadelphia, PA, and in 1816 the AME Church became an
official religious denomination.
Bishop
Gregory G.M. Ingram serves as chair of the General Conference Commission,
Bishop John R. Bryant is Senior Bishop and Bishop David Daniels is president of
the Council of Bishops.
Media
interested in covering the First Lady’s remarks should contact Royya James at
615.554.2269 or Anica Howard (615.305.9985) to RSVP by Tuesday, June 26th. For information about the conference contact
the Office of Bishop McKenzie (Linnie Davis at 615. 242-.6814.)
5. FORMER TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
GOLF COACH CATANA STARKS TO SERVE AS FEATURED GUEST AT PLATINUM GOLF EXPERIENCE:
-- Believe Inc. Hosts Platinum Golf
Tournament
Nashville, Tenn. Former Tennessee State University golf coach
Catana Starks will be the featured guest at the 2012 Platinum Golf Experience,
which includes a Tee Table Toast reception on Monday, June 25 and the golf
tournament on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the PGA Course Gaylord Springs Golf
Links in Nashville.
Starks’
career as the first woman ever to coach an NCAA Golf Team at TSU inspired the
upcoming film “From the Rough,” starring Oscar nominated Taraji P. Henson. The
film chronicles Starks as the first female head coach of an NCAA Division I
men’s golf team at TSU and focuses on her at the helm of the Tigers’
record-breaking performance at the PGA National Collegiate Minority
Championship.
Starks has
a strong and committed desire to provide opportunities for young people to earn
an education. “There is a need for many organizations and others to get
involved with securing funds necessary to assist young people to receive an
education. This Platinum Golf Tournament
is a very worthy and important event for the AME Church,” said Starks.
Bishop
Vashti McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District,
which includes Tennessee and Kentucky stated, “We are thrilled to have Dr.
Catana Starks featured at our Platinum Golf experience.” “Her years of work are extremely significant
as an academic professor and golf coach.
She is an inspiration to us all and her appearance at the Platinum Golf
experience will motivate and empower us in many ways,” said Bishop
McKenzie. Proceeds from the tournament
provide funds for local churches to start or expand community service endeavors
and scholarships to members studying theology.
The
Platinum Golf experience will feature both a Tee Table Toast reception at the
Gaylord Springs Golf Links Club House on Monday, June 25 at 6 p.m. and the
Platinum Tournament beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, June 26. The tournament is
a pre-event of the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference
of the AME Church. The Platinum Golf
Tournament competition completes the four-year series of annual golf events.
Golfers may
register as a team of four or individuals will be assigned to a group.
Golf-hole sponsorships are available to promote businesses or organizations.
“This year
we will continue to have fun, fellowship and support a worthy cause as we
welcome Dr. Starks to our golfing experience,” said Joe Turner, Chairman of the
Believe Board and Chief Tournament Coordinator.
“Dr. Starks will inform the golfers about her many golfing achievements
and enlighten the entire audience with her personal story.”
Tickets are
available to the reception for observers and interested individuals who are not
participating in the golf tournament. The cost is $20.00 for reception tickets.
Believe
Inc., the philanthropic arm of the 13th Episcopal District of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, provides support for small and rural
churches in Tennessee and Kentucky. Proceeds from this year’s Platinum Golf
event will continue the support of small and rural churches and scholarships
for students studying Theology. Last year, the organization provided more than
$200,000 to these endeavors.
Visit www.believeinc.org or contact Joe Turner at
615.957.5819 for more information on registration for the Platinum Golf
Tournament or the Tee Table Toast reception.
**Submitted by Dr.
Phyllis Qualls-Brooks
6. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CONNECTIONAL LAY
ORGANIZATION:
It is
through great tenacity and courage our founding fathers and mothers pioneered
and uncharted path of faith and vision which evolved into our great
organization. It took vision and goals
to keep these God led people on task despite various vicissitudes of life. Many obstacles were encountered as they
forged ahead knowing that our Church would only benefit from an equal voice of
laity in our ecclesiastical order of governance.
Today,
our Church is stronger for having the official voice of the laity. Since May 1912 the leadership and advocacy
role has been vital in transforming and structuring the Church. The financial officers of the Church have
been laypersons for 100 years, helped to promote leadership of women, engaged
in the legislative process of strengthening not only laity but clergy as well,
and assisting in the global development of our Church. We have indeed come this far by faith.
It took
36 years to organize ourselves into the Connectional Organization with
components at all level of the Church.
Today, it is mandated that a Lay Organization exist in all Local
Churches.
So our
centennial year is one of celebration as we have overcome so many
obstacles. However, as we celebrate it
is my hope and encouragement to take time to reflect, evaluate and think
outside of the box for an even greater future.
Let us myopically focus on building on our global legacy of Christ
centered leadership and training.
Again,
Happy Birthday! May God continue to
bless the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Connectional Lay
Organization.
Willie
C. Glover, Ph.D.
President,
the Connectional Lay Organization
7. MCAM EXALTED CONCERT DATE CHANGE:
Due to
circumstances beyond the control of MCAM, the concert will be Sunday, July 1,
2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Updated
schedule and participants’ packet will be posted on the website as soon as
possible. We APOLOGIZE for ANY INCONVENIENCE caused by this change and we hope that
all we be able to make the adjustment to attend the concert on Sunday.
The
Rev. Anthony B. Vinson Sr.
8. REGIONS BANK CONDUCTS CAREER
COUNSELING AT GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Regions
Bank will conduct Career Counseling at General Counseling in AME Mall.
Regions Bank, a corporate sponsor
with the 49th Quadrennial General Conference of the AME Church, will
be actively recruiting during the conference in the AME Mall.
High-ranking human resources staff will be on site to review resumes, share interviewing tips and make recommendations. Positions are available in the southeast and Midwest parts of the U.S. Resumes may be presented in presentation folders, on a disc or jump drive for review.
High-ranking human resources staff will be on site to review resumes, share interviewing tips and make recommendations. Positions are available in the southeast and Midwest parts of the U.S. Resumes may be presented in presentation folders, on a disc or jump drive for review.
Submitted by Dr. Phyllis
Qualls-Brooks
9. FROM THE PERSONAL PEN OF…:
*Jerry Turner, Jr.
To
My Fellow Delegate and leaders of the Church,
As
we prepare to go to the General Conference in exactly one month, we have many
things to do in preparation for the supreme meeting of African Methodism. From
making our travel plans, informing our employers of our vacation plans,
determining our clothing choices to yes even finalizing our personal budget,
God willing, we will be singing as delegates -- "And are we yet alive to
see each other face."
This
is my 6th consecutive general conference as a delegate, however my 2nd as an
adult delegate. I must say in my 20 years as a member of the general
conference, I have seen the church at its worst, however at most times it has
been at its everlasting best.
I
come to this general conference with mixed emotions as we celebrate another
four years of saving souls, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and being
the agents of positive change in our community. The good work and witness has
been overshadowed with problems that plague our churches, from declining
memberships that lead to financial breakdowns of churches, laity losing faith,
clergy stress and burnout, making a choice between assessments or paying
utility bills.
The
economic downturn in our nation and internationally has impacted our churches
to the point of bankruptcy and foreclosures, however, for every challenge God
has still shined on our Zion, we have churches that have grown, new edifices
built even in these times from one of the newest cathedral of African Methodism
St. John AME, Aurora, Illinois ---- a 20 year old dream that came into a
reality. Glory to God!
We
have some hard decisions to make as delegates to the General Conference, but we
have to be the change-agents. We have a
rich history that is before us and we have many people watching from the
stair-steps of Heaven, and a generation that will come after us, depending on
us to ask the questions, take a stand and yes, even stand alone.
In
my life long ministry in African Methodism, I was taught to love God, love my
church and love the people through servant leadership. I was baptized by The
Rev. Lovell Johnson, Sr., my childhood pastor at St. Mark.
My
father took me to my first General Conference at the age of three in 1976.
My
mother taught me in Sunday school. I started reading my father's copy of The Discipline on my own at the age of
13. Yvonne Henning Parks saw a leadership potential in me as my YPD director. I
was 14-years old and the church allowed me to serve as a President of two
Connectional organizations. Ted Harris that showed me the importance of loving
my church and telling the truth. All of these people are watching me in person
or at the feet of Jesus. So, it my responsibility to keep the legacy alive and
to pass the touch of servant-leadership to the next generation.
In
my professional life, I manage food stamp, childcare and medical programs for
over 180,000 low income clients in Milwaukee County and throughout the State of
Wisconsin. When I walk through the welfare building serving those who need
help, I am grateful that my parents and the AME church taught me the importance
of being a beacon of hope to those who need a word or just a touch that makes
the difference.
So
I ask you as fellow delegates and leaders of our Zion to join me to pray that
the Lord will have His way and that we will be the voice of reason and change.
We are a great church; we are a church that was born out of a need of equality
and social conscience. We have had impacted many through uplifting Christ
throughout the globe. Where do we go from here?
We
cannot take the road of status quo we must take the road of
dealing with the church as a whole and charting a plan that will reclaim souls,
build our churches, build hope among our laity--empower our pastors to preach
the gospel and bring souls without fear of a budget and a size of a church.
So are you the one…
To
elect those to the Episcopacy and General office that will guide and lead our
church for the years to come.
Are
you the one that will pass a finance plan that will be based on the mission of
the church, a budget that will allow us to continue growth and support our
connectional and local ministries, worldwide,
and also a budget process we can be proud to mirror in our Episcopal
Districts, Annual Conferences, PE Districts and local churches?
Are
you the one that will celebrate the Connectional leadership and Episcopacy
honorably through a proper and realistic compensation plan at the connectional
level and not assessed in the Episcopal Districts?
Are
you the one that will support a true evangelistic movement of our local
churches so they will continue to be relevant in the modern day through
celebrating the rich tradition and through a modern method of tradition bring
souls to Christ?
Are
you the one that will stand alone for the sake of those who poured their
knowledge and love of GOD and the church in each of us—a love that we must pass
to future generations?
*Mr. Jerry Turner, Jr. is a member of St. Mark AME Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a delegate to the 49th General Conference AME Church and is a Candidate for the General Board
10. THE
YOUTH ON A RADICAL MOVE FOR CHRIST:
It
seems that the youth at Mount Zion AME
Church in New York City under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Jo -An L.
Owings are spiritually maturing, responding to the call on their lives and are
contaminating other youth to share in their innovative and radical move for
Christ.
On Good Friday,
a High Holy Day, “Preachers Kids” between the ages of 5 to 25 years old, from
as far as Western New York, Philadelphia and New York City came together and
delivered the last seven words of Jesus.
“Father
forgive them for they know not what they do” Vernell Hicks, St. Matthews AME
Church
“Today you
will be with me in Paradise”, Shaquan Taylor, St. Matthews AME Church
“Woman,
behold your son! Behold your Mother, Shamari Woodward, Pilgrim Cathedral
“My God, My
God, why have you Forsaken Me”, Alvez Hicks, St. Matthews AME Church
“I Thirst”,
Richard Norris III, Morris Brown AME Church,
“It is
Finished, Anthony Sydnor”, Mt. Zion AME Church
“Into your
hands I Commit my Spirit,” Malcolm Sydnor Mt. Zion AME Church
On
Sunday, May 20, 2012 the Youth at Mount Zion AME Church celebrated Annual Youth
Day. The worship experience was innovative, spiritually moving and encouraged
the youth to embrace his/her purpose according to the will of God. The worship
leader embraced the moving of the Holy Spirit, the liturgical dancers from
Trinity AME Church danced to “I will” - the acceptance of God and the speaker
of the hour was Jamell Henderson from Bridge Street AME Church emphasized the
challenges that one will endure when receiving the blessing from God. Yet stay
connected and allow Gold to lead the way.
The
youth have moved from Membership to Discipleship.
Stacey
C. Lawrence
Director
of Public Relations
11.
FIRST AME CHURCH OAKLAND CALIFORNIA WELCOMES THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY, DR. SHIRLEY CASON-REED:
Dr. Shirley Cason-Reed, President of the International
Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was
welcomed and honored by the Melba B. Woods Missionary Society of First African
Methodist Episcopal Church of Oakland, California. The Rev. Dr. Harold R.
Mayberry, Senior Pastor and First Lady Mary Mayo Mayberry welcomed Mrs. Reed
with an elegant reception on Saturday, April 28, 2012.
On Sunday morning, April 29th, at the 11 a.m.
Missionary Worship Service, Dr. Reed blessed the missionaries and congregation
with a provocative and soul-stirring message, using the theme “The Organic
Missionary.”
Dr. Reed taught that we should strive to “Begin with good soil
(John 3:15 and Mark 12:31); “Plant seeds rooted on the Word of God” (Luke
8:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 3:13); and “Always remember that God calls us to be
the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:12-14). As missionaries God is calling us to
be different!
This was Dr. Reed’s first visit to worship in the Fifth
Episcopal District and the California Annual Conference as the Connectional
President of the WMS.
During the Worship Service, Lady Mary Mayo Mayberry
presented Dr. Reed with a gift for the Connectional Women’s Society on behalf
of First AME Oakland.
Also, Dr. Reed conferred the Life Membership status on
Sister Irma Douglas Lastra, President of the California Conference Women’s
Missionary Society and a member of Melba B. Woods WMS.
Dr. Reed is an accomplished teacher, speaker and author of
the Missionary Handbook entitled, "Missions
in Action." She has served the Women’s Missionary Society of the
AME Church for over 34 years as the Connectional Recording Secretary,
Connectional Chair of Membership & Recruitment, Connectional Chair of
Special Missions and President of local societies.
She currently is a member of the Tullie Quinn Missionary
Society of Ward AME Church in Washington, DC.
In 2003 Dr. Reed was awarded Life Member Status.
In April 2008 under the hand of Bishop Adam Jefferson
Richardson, Mrs. Reed was licensed as a Missionary of the Washington Annual
Conference.
Dr. Reed was elected the eighth President of the
International Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
at the 2011 Quadrennial Convention of the WMS in Orlando Florida.
We thank and praise God for the wonderful blessings on the
life of Dr. Shirley Cason- Reed.
Written by – Sheila Williams, Second Vice President Melba B.
Woods WMS, First AME Oakland
12. GREETINGS FELLOW LAYPERSONS:
*
Willie Glover, Ph.D
It has
been awhile since I updated you on my sojourns in carrying out the
responsibilities of the office. Life has
been very busy with travels, Episcopal District elections, speaking engagements,
General Church involvements and “honey do list”.
One of
the highlights of this year was attending several centennial birthday
parties. At my home Church the
celebration began by singing Stevie Wonder’s interpretation of “Happy
Birthday”. The entire congregation was
invited and the President gave a warm welcome.
The Director of Lay Activities shared a slide presentation of the
presidents of the organization and major changes in the evolution of the Lay
Organization over the past 100 years.
Various members gave remarks mixed with humor and how the Lay
Organization has helped them. I also
shared comments. One of the points I bragged
about was that Professor Johnson from Wilberforce, Ohio was elected the first
president and now I have the privilege to serve 100 years later as president
from Ohio. The celebration ended with
the singing of the traditional birthday song and we feasted on a centennial
cake and other goodies. I also attended
the Arthur Dean Brown Lay Organization of Mt. Vernon Ave. AMEC and the Third
Episcopal District celebrations.
AME-India
was a thrilling experience. Twenty three
persons from around the United States both laity and clergy traveled to
Mamallapuram, India about 35 miles from Chennai in southern India. The delegation was led by Senior Bishop John
R. Bryant and his wife Rev. Cecelia Bryant, the WMS Fourth District
Supervisor. We were greeted at the
Chennai airport by the two presiding elders and over 100 other AMEs at 4:00
a.m. NOW THAT’S LOVE! Perhaps, the most inspiring experience at the
Annual Conference was hearing so many former Hindus confess their love and
faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
What a moving precious experience.
WOW! Because they are now
Christians at times are in danger and some had experienced violence in a nation
not tolerance of Christianity. The
auditorium was filled to capacity and then some. So many youth and young adults openly expressed
their love and jubilance during worship.
The admiration and appreciation toward and from Bishop and Rev “C” were
evident. Fourth Episcopal District Lay
President Madge White and I gave workshops and I had the honor of conducting
the Conference elections and installing them.
I felt global! By the way all
offices were filled by men. The weather
and food were very hot but the Annual Conference was even hotter with the Holy
Spirit. We did have a day to tour
Chennai. Years ago we adopt a woman from
Chennai and I was able to meet her sister and speak with her children. Never in my wildest dreams but God is good.
Conducting
the elections of Episcopal District officers enabled me to travel to several
areas of the United States. New
Presidents include:
• Roger
Cleckley, 7th
• James
Bonner, 9th Re-elected
• Dr.
Dorothy Henderson, 12th
•
Maylene Loncke, 16th
Upcoming
elections include the following Episcopal Districts: First, Third, Eleventh, Tenth and Fourth.
I am so
appreciative for the many invitations to speak for Lay Witness services,
banquets and other special occasions.
The highlight of my life was to speak at Mother Bethel during the
Philadelphia Annual Conference for the Lay Organization. I felt honored and thrilled to stand in the
pulpit and speak from the podium Bishop Richard Allen had done. History called out to me and I was
overwhelmed.
Now our
attention is turning to the 49th Session of the General Conference. As we converge on Nashville, I encourage you
to study and familiarize yourselves with the following:
•
Proposed legislation
•
Proposed budget
• Recommendations
of the Episcopal Committee
•
Elections of Bishops and General Officers
•
Global Development Concerns
• The
Lay Centennial Celebration and Breakfast
The
Connectional Lay Organization will have daily briefing and you are encouraged
to attend. Our report and Centennial
celebration is Thursday, June 28th starting at 4 p.m. and all
laypersons are asked to stand with me.
The Centennial breakfast featuring gospel music TV pioneer, Dr. Bobby
Jones will be Sunday morning at 7 a.m., July 1st. Let’s fill the ballroom.
Our
Young Adult Representative will participate in a forum “Meet the Candidates”,
please ask your young adults to attend.
See you
in Nashville and may God bless our travels.
President
Willie Glover
13. CHICK-FIL-A AND THE S. TRUETT
CATHY FOUNDATION MAKE GENEROUS FINANCIAL GIFT TO MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE AND TO
THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The S. Truett Cathy Foundation, along with Chick-fil-a, donated $500,000 to Morris
Brown College and $500,000 to the Sixth Episcopal District of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church. Both gifts
were awarded in honor of the leadership and legacy of Bishop William P.
DeVeaux.
On June 1,
2012, Mr. Rodney Bullard who serves as the Executive Director of the S. Truett
Cathy Foundation spoke in highest regards about Bishop William P. DeVeaux as he
presented the gifts to Bishop William P. DeVeaux, the Sixth Episcopal District,
and Morris Brown College. All funds have
been distributed in honor and recognition of the elite, eight years of service
Bishop DeVeaux has offered to Morris Brown, the Sixth Episcopal District, and
the A.M.E. Church of Georgia.
Submitted
by the Rev. Conitras M. Houston Moore, Administrative Assistant to Bishop
William P. & Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Sixth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church
Editor’s Note: We all need to patronize
Chick-fil-a in the spirit of patronizing those who help us. We should also note
and support the corporate sponsors of the 49th Quadrennial Session
of the General Conference.
14.
TIPS FOR SAFE TRAVEL & REMAINING HEALTHY & SAFE AT GENERAL CONFERENCE:
*Exhorter Gwendolyn B. Williams
It is the wish of the Connectional Health Commission that this General
Conference will begin and end with healthy participants. This can be accomplished
if we observe the following suggestions.
Travel
by air:
Wear loose comfortable clothing and shoes, you tend to accumulate gas
during the flight due to atmospheric changes and fluid in the legs and feet due
to having your legs bent and feet down.
If you need extra time going down the jet way ask to preboard or for
assistance.
If you will need Oxygen on the flight, check with the airline about
its policy.
Depending on the length of the flight, remember to carry a meal or unsalted
snack especially if you are a diabetic.
Regularly change leg posit and periodically move and stretch your legs
and feet while seated, depending on the length of the flight and if conditions
allow , get up and walk in the aisle.
Avoid grossing legs at knees and ankles as it impedes circulation.
Drink adequate fluids such as milk, juice, and water. Reduce intake of
caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as they are dehydrating.
Follow TSA Rules to avoid being detained. If traveling with small
children and babies, remember they, their toys and diaper bags will be
screened. Use the family line, formula and jars of baby food are permitted but
will be screened.
If you must carry sharp items or guns with written permission, place
them in your checked baggage. No flammables, or aerosol cans are permitted.
Check airline policy. Do not accept packages from strangers and do not leave
your bags unattended.
Bus or train Most of the above rules apply. You will also undergo
screening.
Automobile Most of the above apply. Get out of the car every 3-4 hours
and walk around the vehicle, or when you stop for gas or to use the facilities,
walk around the vehicle. Have a small first aid kit, blanket, drinking water
and a flashlight on the backseat. A gasoline can in the trunk and be sure the
jack works and the spare tire is inflated.
Hotel
and Street Safety
Do not leave your belonging unattended; leave them at the bell stand,
while in line.
Do not open your door to strangers, ask for ID if they claim to be
hotel staff or call the front desk to verify that the person is hotel staff.
Place your valuables in the hotel safe.
Be sure your door closes completely when you leave the room and put
the security lock on at bedtime.
Read the emergency instruction on the door and locate exactly where
your room is in relation to the stairs.
Do not go out alone, especially at night. Go as a group, avoid dark
streets and so called short cuts.
Keep your purse close to your body. Carry only what you can afford to
lose. Keep your wallet in a safe place.
Try to avoid extremely crowded places where it is easy to bump into you.
Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry or bling.
Personal
pointers
Always have a travel partner, or let someone know where you are going,
if you must leave the meeting or your hotel room.
Keep a list of all of your emergency contacts, physicians, and
medications in your purse.
Complete the emergency information form in your kit and return it to
the first aid station.
I f you are receiving Dialysis, please have your physician make
arrangements for you to continue treatment at a local Dialysis Clinic. If you
are on Peritoneal Dialysis, bring all of your equipment. If you need to do a
treatment, come to the first aid station if you don’t desire to go to your room.
If you are on Respiratory care requiring oxygen, check with your
physician on how to secure a tank or replace a tank. If you are flying check
airline policy on oxygen on flights. Bring your nebulizers and inhalers with
you, keep your inhaler in your purse or pocket.
Bring all of your diabetic supplies and snacks. Follow your routine
for care. Bring a glucagon pen in case of an emergency. If you take insulin on
a sliding scale feel free to keep your insulin in the fridge in the first aid
room. Bring your glucometer and monitor your blood levels at least twice a day
or more frequent if you take your insulin on a sliding scale.
If you feel cold, sweaty or jittery, have someone take you to the
first aid room or send someone to get help for you. If you are flying or on a
bus or train summon help.
If flying use the line for people with medical equipment and let TSA
personal know you have diabetic supplies and liquid snacks like Jell-O or
orange juice.
If you have severe allergies to certain food or substances, bring your
emergency medications.
Drink lots of water, air conditioning tends to dehydrate you.
Bring a warm wrap or jacket as meeting rooms are kept at low
temperatures. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
*Exhorter Gwendolyn B. Williams is the Executive
Director, AMEC Connectional Health Commission
15. AN OPEN STATEMENT OF APPRECIATION FROM
RETIRED BISHOP FREDERICK C. JAMES:
Dearly beloved,
As I recover from my
February 2012 surprise encounter of serious surgery, and from my 17-day hospital
experience, I not only discovered new dimensions of the love and grace of God,
I also discovered new depths and heights of appreciation of friends like all of
you, whose loving kindness penetrated the inner circle of those who cared most
about me and my condition. All praise be to God, and great thanks also to you.
On Saturday, April 7,
2012 at 1:00 p.m. I lifted 90 praises to God for 90 birthdays of life on this
Earth as I stood behind the antique pulpit of Shiloh African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Prosperity, South Carolina; the church into which I was
first born and was born-again at the earthly age of 12.
Thanks for every
friendship, kindness, and blessing of the last 90 years!
Thanks again to God and
to all of you who shared in every and any way in my 90th birthday
celebration.
Let us all proceed
"forward in faith" with all glory given to God.
16. THE
FISK JUBILEE SINGERS TO PERFORM AT THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
GENERAL CONFERENCE
The
Group Performs concert at Believe Banquet
The
internationally famous Fisk University Jubilee Singers will highlight the 49th
Quadrennial Session of the African Methodist Episcopal Church General
Conference. The ensemble will perform at the Believe Banquet, Tuesday, June 26,
2012, at 7 pm in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center’s
Delta Ballroom. The conference officially begins Wednesday, June 27, with an
opening worship service that the public is invited to attend. The Fisk Jubilee Singers and the 13th
Episcopal Choir will perform at that service.
The
eight-day General Conference, held June 27-July 4, will bring together African
Methodists from around the world to discuss; debate and pass significant
legislation that will impact the mission of the AME Church. Representatives of
the three million members of the 7, 500 AME churches worldwide will come
together for this event.
Founded
in 1871, the Fisk Jubilee Singers’ efforts to sustain Fisk through proceeds
from their initial tours resulted in the construction of Jubilee Hall in 1876,
the first permanent structure erected in the South for the purpose of educating
African Americans.
The
Fisk Jubilee Singers, known as one of the world’s premier a cappella ensembles, are the carriers of a unique cultural legacy
based on the Negro spiritual. “It has been extremely important to me to for the
Fisk Jubilee Singers to perform at the General Conference. I want to showcase
Nashville’s finest at this historic and glorious event,” said Bishop Vashti
Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District
and Host Bishop of the Conference.
Most
recently, the Fisk Jubilee Singers earned the National Medal of Arts (2008),
America’s highest award for artists and arts patrons, as well as a Grammy Award
nomination in 2009 for “Best Gospel Performance.”
“I am
very grateful to the African Methodist Episcopal Church for inviting the Fisk
University Jubilee Singers® to perform at this worldwide conference. It is an
honor for the ensemble to represent Fisk University and the city of Nashville
by sharing the culture of this wonderful city with people from all over the
world. Some of our students have personal ties
to this denomination and it will bring a great sense of pride for the entire
organization, Fisk University and the City of Nashville,” said Paul Kwami,
musical director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
The
Believe Banquet is a stellar affair. Produced by the office of the host bishop,
this event will exude sincere and warm hospitality in welcoming all the
attendees to the conference. The Rev.
Dr. Kenneth Robinson and his wife the Rev. Marilynn Robinson, serve as
co-chairs, and as co-pastors of St. Andrew AME Church in Memphis. “We are
excited to open the General Conference with this premier event. Our committee has been diligently preparing
for this inspiring evening and we want attendees to experience an uplifting,
energizing, and welcoming festive affair,” said the Robinsons.
The
Fisk Jubilee Singers are known throughout the world for their history and
music, and the thousands of attendees to this conference can expect to be in
awe of the student performers. “People
from throughout the world will come to Nashville to experience the flavor of
this great city, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers are a true example of that, said
Bishop McKenzie.
For
more information on the AME Church General Conference and the Believe Banquet,
contact the Office of Bishop Vashti McKenzie at 615.242.6814 or go online to www.13ththame.com
17. SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE 2012
GENERAL CONFERENCE PRAYER TEAM:
Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding
Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District GC Prayer Team; the Reverend
Dorisalene Hughes, Director
The newly formed AME General Conference (GC) 2012 General
Conference Prayer Team, under the leadership of Bishop Sarah F. Davis,
Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District has been meeting
since February 2011 via teleconference to design a structured program for the
Prayer Team during the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General
Conference.
A collaborative partnership of the 2012 GC Prayer Team with
the GC Conference Host Prayer Team lead by Bishop Vashti McKenzie Presiding
Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District has confirmed over 100
volunteers to serve during the coming 49th Quadrennial Session
of the General Conference.
2012 GC Prayer Team assignments are still being
confirmed! Episcopal Districts are encouraged to chose a designated
day(s) and time during the GC to serve as Prayer gatekeepers and watchpersons
during the GC Business sessions and to identify experienced flag waver ushers
in the presence of God in worship through the flag ministry; serve in the Early
Morning Prayer Room(s); venture into the community of Nashville for a Prayer
Walk; or partake with the Evangelistic Outreach Activity lead by Dr. James Wade
and the Rev. Dorisalene Hughes.
Please feel free to email 2012 GC Prayer Team Director, the
Rev. Dorisalene Hughes at dorisalene@aol.com
the day and time of day you wish to participate in any of the 2012 GC Prayer
Team activities.
Link with us! Pray with us! We are praying and
pleading the blood of Jesus over our bishops, general officers and laity.
It's in the Name of Jesus that we stake all claims for God's
will to be done throughout the 49th Quadrennial Session of the
General Conference.
Expect to witness miracles, signs and wonders as the glory
of God abides!
The Reverend Dorisalene Hughes, 2012 General Conference
Director of Prayer, dorisalene@aol.com
*Posted per request of The Reverend Dorisalene Hughes, 2012
GC Prayer Team; Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate, 16th
Episcopal District
**Submitted to TCR by Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator, The Clergy Family Information Center
18. TO GOD BE THE GLORY - APPRECIATING THE AME
CHURCH FAMILY:
*Reuben S. Dlamini, Ph.D
Giving thanks to God the
Father, Who has qualified and made me fit to share the portion which is the
inheritance of the saints in the Light -- Colossians 1: 12
In 1999 I was only a
19-year-old young man when I left the Kingdom of Swaziland to pursue my
undergraduate education in Computer Science and Mathematics at Wilberforce
University, Ohio. About 13 years later I returned home armed with a Doctor of
Philosophy degree in Information and Instructional Technology Ph.D at Ohio
University in Athens, with extensive professional and personal experience. Most
importantly I return home a fully grown man who is, first and foremost a child
of God; the son of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; a leader in the
making and a global citizen. The journey has been long through the storm,
valleys and mountains, but God surely carried me through.
I am writing to humbly
express my appreciation to the AME Church, my family and my friends for your
selfless investment to see me graduate with the highest degree in academia.
Throughout my time in
the USA I was mentored, loved, mothered and introduced to role models who had
the greatest deal of patience and wisdom while cheering me on through the
journey. My church home, United AME Church under the leadership of the Reverend
A.W. Sinkfield showed an unwavering confidence in my personal and academic
success. United AME Church continued to inspire me under the leadership of the
Reverend A. Allen. I miss those inspiring conversations I had with my United
AME Church family.
The Rev. Allen; your
kaleidoscopic view on life helped me grow as a young man and be the best
brother that I can be. To retired bishop, the Right Rev. Henry Berlin, Jr.; and
retired Wilberforce University President Dr. John Henderson, thank you for
opening the doors to matriculate at “Dear Old WU.”
To all those who
facilitated the process to get me in WU and out of the WU; thank you for all
your hard work and your unyielding commitment to the young, black and talented’
women and men.
Your commitment is
evident by the number of students you graduate every year, who go on and make a
difference in the world. I am aware of your many commitments, but you made
yourselves available to me. I am extremely indebted to Dr. Emeka Morah, Mrs.
Hughes, Mrs. Lash, the Rev. Richard Williams, Sister Ross Stewart of Washington
DC; Dr. Edward Asikele, Prof. Stewart, Mrs Hila Williams, Ms. Preston, Kenneth
Christmon, the Financial Aid Office, the Computer Services Staff, the Physical
Plant Staff, and my Brothers in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. All of
you gave me a chance to develop my leadership skills and work ethic.
To Bishop DeVeaux, Mother
Pam, and Family and the Orlando and Learnora Brown Family of Yellow-Springs,
Ohio; thank you for sharing your blessings and investing selflessly in my
personal, professional and academic journey.
Mother Pam you are my heroine,
thank you for believing in me and supporting me throughout my stay in the USA.
To Bishop McKenzie &
Bishop Davis; thank you for continuing to support me. I must say the experience
would not have been the same without you. Even after 13 years I still get the
feeling of amazement and sheer wonder on how I could have done it without you.
I am privileged to have had you as fellow travelers on the journey. You have
been crucial fellow travelers and now I look back over my life with fond
memories on our conversations throughout the journey. I have learned to pay
more attention to all cultural aspects in the socio-economic-political
dimensions, thus have become a global citizen of note. Now as a fully grown
man, I do not have to worry about any cumbersome practicalities of life because
of your insight and coaching throughout the journey. Even though I have not
always been able to reciprocate your expressions of love and appreciation, I
want you to know that I am very grateful. I am pressing on towards the mark for
the higher calling of God as it is evident that God works for the good of those
who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose and His holy will
- (Philippians 3:14 & Romans 8:28).
*Reuben S. Dlamini,
Ph.D., Mpelave AME Church, Swaziland, 18th Episcopal District
19. THE PERSISTENCE OF ERROR IN THE
WILBERFORCE STORY:
Jamye
Coleman Williams and McDonald Williams
From the
presidency of Daniel Alexander Payne in 1863 to that of Patricia Lofton
Hardaway in 2012, the story of Wilberforce University has been an intriguing
one of: history, legend, half truths,
and inaccuracies. For the most part
those who have written about Wilberforce University interpreted the sources as
they understood them. The inaccuracies,
however, are a result, for the most part, of those who would contend that the
founding of Central State University as a free-standing, degree-granting
institution was in the year 1887 rather than in 1947.
We write
now because we are deeply concerned about the persistence of this error about
when Central State University was actually established. Richard D. Altick, in The Art of Literary Research, discusses
the persistence of error in the chapter “The Spirit of Scholarship.” He
maintains that if an assumption goes unchallenged for a long period it becomes
as impregnable as an old-fashioned gospel truth. In fact, he suggests that once an error is
set adrift, it swells and proliferates and the more persuasive it becomes--so
much so that it becomes increasingly difficult to discredit.
We are the
two surviving members of the Wilberforce University faculty who served prior to
and after the dismissal of President Charles H. Wesley in June, 1947, which is
familiarly referred to as “The Split.”
In reaction, Wesley set up the College of Education and Industrial Arts
as a separate institution. This College
was the outgrowth of the Combined Normal and Industrial Department (CNI)
established by the State of Ohio at Wilberforce University in 1887 as one of
the divisions at the University.
Thirty-one years after the founding of the University by the Methodist
Episcopal Church and twenty-four years after its purchase in 1863 by Daniel
Alexander Payne for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, President Samuel T.
Mitchell, who was facing a severe financial crisis, requested aid from the
State of Ohio. The response came on
March 19, 1887, when the Ohio Legislature passed the Act to help Wilberforce by
establishing the Combined Normal and Industrial Department. The sponsors of the Bill, which created the
Act and the legislative representatives who passed it, had as their primary aim
to help a worthy institution carry out its objective. Under this unusual
arrangement between the University and the State, Wilberforce University was the
degree-granting entity for both its College of Liberal Arts and the State’s
CN&I Department. On May 13, 1941, by
an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, the CN&I Department
was renamed the College of Education and Industrial Arts at Wilberforce
University. Every student who was
graduated from its founding until 1947 was awarded a degree from “Wilberforce
University.” That being the case, the
error persists that Central State University is 125 years old.
Realizing
the significance of the name “Wilberforce” in black higher education,
administrators of the College of Education and Industrial Arts—following “The
Split” in 1947—appropriated the name “Wilberforce” by referring to itself as
“Wilberforce State College.” Thereafter,
beginning in June, 1947, John Andrew Gregg, et.al.,
on behalf of Wilberforce University, filed suit against Charles H. Wesley,
defendant, in Common Pleas Court, Greene County, Ohio, charging that following his dismissal as
President there had been general confusion as to his continuing relationship
with Wilberforce University, to the status of the College of Education and
Industrial Arts, and to the use of the name “Wilberforce” in describing this
state-owned/operated institution.
Following the original suit there were restraining orders, summons,
motions, petitions, answers, entries, applications, affidavits.
The Court
did rule on January 6, 1948, as follows:
….It Is Therefore Ordered, Adjudged
and Decreed that the defendant be, and they hereby are, restrained and enjoined
from emphasizing, capitalizing and printing in large letters the word
“Wilberforce” in connection with any activities of their college, which is that
of “College of Education and Industrial Arts at Wilberforce, Greene County,
Ohio”; that they be enjoined and restrained from using the name “Wilberforce
State College,” and that in connection with the use of their name,
to-wit:--“College of Education and Industrial Arts at Wilberforce, Greene
County, Ohio,” they add in reasonably bold type immediately there under, the
following phrase;--“(not connected with
Wilberforce University)”; to all of which defendants except (sic).
Despite
this ruling, however, as late as June, 1949, their official degree read “College
of Education and Industrial Arts,” beneath which were the words “Wilberforce
State College” (q.v.). Realizing that
this continued use violated the legacy and prestige of the name “Wilberforce”
and endangered the life of the University itself, Wilberforce University again
appealed to the courts. It received a
favorable ruling in October, 1950 (picture, q.v.). Their argument for the use of the name
“Wilberforce” was based upon their false assumption that the Wilberforce
community had given its name to the University. Evidence introduced proved
otherwise: Wilberforce University had given its name to the community. Thereafter, in 1951, the College of Education
became known as Central State College, with it reaching “University” status in
1965.
That the
accurate relationship between Wilberforce University and Central State
University is still being misrepresented is reflected in Central State’s own
account of its history:
- The Ohio
General Assembly in an act that created a Combined Normal and Industrial
Department at Wilberforce University established Central State University on
March 19, 1887.
- The older
institution was founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1856 and
named in honor of the great abolitionist William Wilberforce.
- In 1947,
the College began independent operations continuing its programs in teacher
education, industrial arts, and business, and adding a four-year liberal arts
college under the name Wilberforce State College.
- It has a
125 year legacy of academic achievement and the development of students….
It should
be noted that there is an inaccuracy concerning the founding of Wilberforce
University. It was not “…founded by the
African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1856 and named in honor of the great
abolitionist William Wilberforce.” The
facts are that in 1856 the Cincinnati Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church founded Wilberforce University (known first as the Ohio African
University) for the purpose of educating people of color. The first students were the natural children
of Southern and Southwestern slaveholders and others from the free states. With the outbreak of the Civil War the
institution was faced with dwindling resources and reduced enrollment. The Methodist
Church as a result closed Wilberforce, and on March 10, 1863, Bishop Daniel A.
Payne, a member of the original Board of Trustees, bought Wilberforce
University on faith for the African Methodist Episcopal Church for the sum of
$10,000.
In June,
2012, sixty-five years will have passed since the State of Ohio set up this
separate institution at Wilberforce, where for sixty years (1887-1947) the
State of Ohio had been a partner in the education of black young people. Prior to this schism several unsuccessful
attempts had been made to separate the State department from Wilberforce
University, in whose name all degrees were granted. Bearing in mind that the State initially came
into the picture to lend aid to a struggling institution committed to educating
a people just out of slavery, it is indeed tragic that so noble an ideal was
compromised by politics, both secular and church.
We point to
Wilberforce University’s rich history for African Americans. It is the nation’s oldest private,
coeducational, historically black college.
It was a station on the Underground Railroad to help those who would be
free. It was the first institution to
have a black college president, the first to have an ROTC unit, the first to
have a charter from the YWCA. It was
with this history in mind, we believe, that Governor Frank J. Lausche, in 1951,
vetoed the bill—later overridden by the legislature—which gave the name
“Central State College” to the institution and granted it the right to award
the B.A. degree. Governor Lausche
explained his veto by saying:
“The State
of Ohio went to Wilberforce University (in 1887) not as rival and competitor
but as friend with the purpose of cooperating through mutual agreement. It was
never intended that the State of Ohio should become a competitor of Wilberforce
University. It was the purpose of the
state not to harm Wilberforce in its operation as a private institution….The
result of this bill would be to definitely create a situation of competition
which, in the end, may bring destruction of the life of Wilberforce University….It
is further my belief that if the bill becomes law, the state will find itself
confronted with the charge that it is operating a segregated school.”
To its
credit the following accurate statement is made on Central State University’s
website: “Historian Dr. Charles H.
Wesley, the first president of Central State University, chose to name the
first library for Miss Hallie Q. Brown.”
Editor’s Note: The footnotes of this article were
lost in the formatting. When the article appears on the print edition, the
footnote will accompany the article.
20. THE STAR OF THE NEW TELEVISION
SITCOM THE SOUL MAN, GIVES GREETINGS TO THE AME CHURCH:
A new television sitcom, THE SOUL MAN starring Cedric The Entertainer
will begin on Wednesday June 20, 2012 and the video-trailer of the new show is
appended below. In the video-trailer,
Cedric The Entertainer gives a greeting to the leadership and members of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Below are 2 versions of the SOUL MAN greeting and sitcom trailer. The
first is an easy-to-view “quick view” and the second one is a high-resolution
version for church downloads if a church wanted to share it in a larger
setting.
The sitcom looks to be an entertaining family show. Check your cable listing for TV Land channel in your area [www.tvland.com/]
QUICK VIEW
Personalized
AME Church Greeting
21. ST
JOHN'S ANNUAL WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY (WMS) DAY, CLEVELAND, OHIO:
On Sunday, June 3, 2012, Dr. Shirley Cason Reed, Connectional President
of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
will be the guest speaker for the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church,
2261 East 40th Street, Cleveland, Ohio’s Annual Women’s Missionary Society Day.
Hosting this service is the Winn-Manuel Society of St. John AME Church where
the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson is the pastor. The Winn-Manuel Society
culminates the year of mission work both at home and abroad. The Society
participates with volunteers for the Central Reads Summer reading program at
St. John, the Greater Cleveland Homeless Stand-down ministry with blanket
distributions, Sunday Community breakfasts at St. John, Community Dinners on
Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day at St. John; Super Bowl Sunday Dinner at a
local homeless shelter, A Clothes Closet Ministry with free clothes
distribution, served dinners to the families of hospitalized children at the
Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland and supported two of our members as they
took supplies to the Sixteenth Episcopal District to Guyana and spent about
four weeks there ministering.
On July 30, 2011 Shirley Cason Reed became the 9th President to serve
the Connectional Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mrs. Reed is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is the
youngest of twelve children born to the late George and Sarah Cason. She is
married to Reverend Dr. Rodger Hall Reed, Sr., and the mother of six and
grandmother of eleven. Mrs. Reed is an honor graduate of Madison University. In
2010, she received an honorary doctorate degree from AME University (Monrovia,
Liberia), under the recommendation of its president and faculty.
Mrs. Reed is the recipient of many Awards and Citations for her
outstanding leadership and service to humankind. She currently serves as a
Delegate to the General Assembly National Council of the Churches of Christ in
the USA, a member of the Board of Directors for Church World Service; serves on
the Board of Directors of the National Council of Negro Women, a voting member
of the Common Council of the Church Women United, and is also a member of the
World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Women. Mrs. Reed also serves as the
Commissioner of the Debutantes and Master Program for the Second Episcopal District
of the African Methodist Church.
Mrs. Reed is the author of a Missionary Handbook entitles,
"Missions in Action". She has served the Women’s Missionary of the A.
M. E. Church for over 34 years; serving as Connectional Recording Secretary,
Connectional Chair of Membership & Recruitment, Connectional Chair of
Special Missions and President of local societies. She formerly served as
the First Vice President of the Washington Conference WMS and is a member of
the Tullie Quinn Missionary Society of Ward A.M.E. Church in Washington,
DC. In 2003 Dr. Reed was awarded Life Member Status. In April of
2008 under the hand of Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Mrs. Reed was licensed
as a Missionary of the Washington Annual Conference.
Her calling in life is that of a Missionary; to spread the Gospel of
Jesus Christ; to serve and to reach out to the poor, the hungry, the destitute,
the brokenhearted, the disenfranchised, addicts, prisoners, the homeless and
those that are in dire need of spiritual, physical and economic help.
We invite you to come and share the day with us at St. John AME
Cleveland, Ohio. We know the Holy Spirit will bless as we celebrate our
missionary calling through the anointed Word our connectional president, Dr.
Shirley Cason Reed will share with us.
For more information, call St. John AME Cleveland, Ohio at
216-431-2560, The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor
22. POSITION OPENING AT SHORTER COLLEGE, NORTH LITTLE
ROCK, ARKANSAS:
Position: President to serve as the Chief
Executive Officer of a two-year coeducational Christian College located in
North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Minimum Academic
Qualifications: Masters degree
in higher education preferred, or the equivalent, with administrative
experience in working with students and staff in an educational setting. A professional business background, and/or
law background with the necessary qualifications may also be considered.
The president shall be
responsible to the Shorter College Board of Trustees for exercising supervisory
and administrative authority relative to the overall operation of the college
to include, but not limited to, academic programs, financial matters, students,
student activity programs and services, other activities and services of the
college; administrative authority over administrative employees, deans, staff
personnel, departments and programs, and heads of all programs and departments.
The closing dat for the
presidential search closing date will be June 30, 2012.
Persons applying for the
position must send a resume and letter of interest to:
Bishop Samuel L. Green,
Chair
Shorter College Board of
Trustees
604 Locust Street
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Further information from the
applicant may be requested as the application process progresses.
**Submitted by Bishop Samuel
L. Green, Chair, Shorter College Board of Trustees and the Presiding Prelate of
the 12th Episcopal District
23.
CONTINUING EXCELLENCE IN THE SERVICE OF OUR LORD:
Robes
of Faith: A Quarter of a Century
As we enter our 25th year of service, it has become clear
that Robes of Faith - founded by
Henri L. White and Faith Danielle White - is not just a business, but a social
enterprise. We have gained strength through social responsibility in
recognizing the spiritual needs of our clients, staff and Christian community
at large. Robes of Faith has become a place of employment and training. Our products have enlightened our consumer
base through creative, inclusive and informative church facts as incorporated
into the fabric designs of the Danielle Heritage collection. We present our
connectional departments with appropriate and unique colors and insignia. We
collectively give our tithes and offerings in the manner selected by our church
leadership.
Order
my steps
We give thanks to the thousands of AME members and clergy who have
patronized Robes of Faith. As we look
back over these many years, we lift our voices to sing “Order My Steps” and see
the steps that God had outlined for us. Our class leader, Gloria Byrd, led us
to the late Dr. Joseph C. McKinney, the President of the General Officer’s
Council. He looked for verification of our ecclesiastical worthiness from our
pastor, the Rev. Dr. George Moore, and then introduced us to Bishop John Adams,
who opened the doors of the AME Church to our talents.
For I
may never pass this way again
That was the beginning of our journey within the AME Church and our
social enterprise. Scripture reminds us “Lay not up for yourselves treasures
upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, where thieves break through and
steal.” (Luke 6:19)
Knowing that what we do is for others remains our operating
philosophy.
Through the years, and because of you - our clientele, we have been
able to be of service to those in need. The
Robes of Faith Foundation has given dictionaries and scholarships to
graduates; financially supported the WMS Foundation, The Sojourner Program, and Allen University. For AMEC Districts 14
to 20, we have contributed both financially and through international support
of in-kind products and raw materials to start businesses, make clothing and
enhance home décor. Additionally, other AMEC districts have been helped through
funds from our product line sales.
We have made local and regional contributions through Rotary Club
International, food banks, Crisis Ministries, Make –A- Wish Foundation, and
Water Missions and other charities. Donating our services as a workshop leader,
business consultant and motivational speaker is another dimension of our
service delivery.
To God
be the glory
Where have our steps taken us?
The late Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, as President of the Council,
asked us to design a “Unity Robe” for the Bishops of the AME Church to present
in competition for selection. We were delighted that our design was chosen. The
late Dr. Joseph McKinney requested on their behalf if Robes of Faith would design a unique robe for the General
Officers. We did, and they were
pleased. Subsequently, the late
Presiding Elder Charles Martin, President of the Presiding Elders Council,
subsequently, presented us with a challenge to create a robe that would
distinguish them from other clergy. We offered several options and council
members selected the color of navy-blue, with a modified AME design. From that,
many clergy, churches and districts sought our skills to create products just
for them. It has been our pleasure and privilege to do so.
I will
give thanks unto thee
The late Henri L. White and I met in unusual circumstances. It was
preordained that our joint experience confirm the establishment of this social
enterprise, ironically called, Robes of Faith, Inc.
Our future is in God’s hands. The words penned by Ira F. Stanfill say
it best:
“We
don’t know about tomorrow,
We just
live from day to day
We
don’t borrow from its sunshine,
For its
skies may turn to gray
We
don’t worry o’er the future
For we
know what Jesus said,
And
today we’ll walk beside him,
For He
knows shat is ahead.” (Ira F.
Stanfill)
We will fulfill the precept of our motto, continuing excellence in the
service of our Lord.
Faith Danielle White
24. TRINITY AME CHURCH GONZALES LOUISIANA BEGINS
WORSHIP SERVICE IN NEWLY RENOVATED FACILITY:
Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church in Gonzales,
Louisiana will begin church services at the newly renovated Howard Johnson Post
557 American Legion Hall on Sunday, June 3, 2012. The new work was
established by Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, presiding prelate of the 8th
Episcopal District of the AME Church. Trinity AME joins St. Luke AME in
Donaldsonville as the only AME Churches in Ascension Parish. When the Reverend Orin J.
Blouin and new congregation gathers at the Howard Johnson Post 557 American
Legion Hall at 8:00 AM on June 3, 2012, it will be reminiscent of the founding
church led by Bishop Richard Allen who established the AME Church in a
blacksmith shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1787.
The Mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to
minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental
needs of all people by spreading Christ's liberating gospel through word and
deed. At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the African
Methodist Episcopal Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the
original Free African Society, out of which the AME Church evolved: that is, to
seek out and save the lost, and serve the needy.
Submitted by
Sister Vickie R. Smith
25.
MEDITATION BASED ON JOHN 10:1-10:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
When I worked part-time in a printing shop during my college years,
one of my co-workers who loved to hang out and party came to work late one
Friday...red-eyed, haggard and obviously “hung over” from too much to
drink. He moved slowly and carefully,
moaned and groaned in anguish with every step he took; popped aspirin to combat
a raging headache and cursed a blue streak when his thumb twice got caught and
mashed in a printing press. He ate a few
very careful bites at lunchtime, got pale, ran to the bathroom, staggered back,
fell into his chair and put his head down on the table.
When our boss asked him what was wrong, he looked up and said, “I went
to ‘Happy Hour’ at my favorite club when I got off yesterday.” All of us except my hung over co-worker had a
major laugh when the boss paused as if he was thinking hard and then said, “Why
do they call it ‘HAPPY’ hour if you’re in such bad shape today?”
If we’re honest - and even if we’ve never had a “hangover” - we can
all identify with my former co-worker’s behavior. The routine demands of everyday life bring us
all our share of tension, stress, aggravation and pressure, and we long for and
sometimes seek relief and relaxation by any means necessary. It’s easy for all of us to hurt ourselves and
get caught up in sticky situations running after what we think we need to find
joy in this world.
We’d do well to realize that the joy we pursue in this world can
sometimes be elusive and disappointing.
That’s why it’s good to know Jesus.
When we trust in the Savior who came into this world not to condemn us
but who instead said, “I am come that you might have life, and have it more
abundantly,” we’ll find real joy.
We’ll find joy in waking up to face each new day, joy in knowing that
our Savior stands with us in our best and
worst times, joy in the simple things of life that we easily take for granted,
joy not in who we are, but in who God is.
The “Happy Hours” that we pursue in this world sometimes fall short and
can easily leave us hurting, empty and let down, but when we find real and
enduring joy and happiness in Christ our Savior, we can understand why one
writer spoke of his relationship with Jesus and said, “He walks with me and He
talks with me and he tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry
there, none other has ever known.”
If you are in the Charleston, South Carolina area, join us on the
Third Sunday in June for Church School at 8:45 am and for Worship at 10 am,
when we’ll celebrate Fathers’ Day and the end of our 2012 Season of Family and
Friends. The Combined Choir, Voices of
Promise and Young Adult Choir will offer praise, and the Commission on
Membership and Evangelism will lead the worship service.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
Proverbs 20:1-7
Acts 16:25-34
Luke 15:11-24
Sunday’s Sermon is “Share Your Faith with Your Family”
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church
in Charleston, South Carolina
26. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY
FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Bishop Gregory G.M
Ingram and the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram celebrate their 35th Wedding Anniversary
Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram and the Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall
Ingram will celebrate 35 years of marriage on June 11. The Ingram's were
married on June 11, 1977. They met in February of 1976 while working in the
campaign for the Rev. Dr. Frank C. Cummings who was aspiring for the
episcopacy. Their first date was at the General Conference of 1976.
They were married one year later at Wayman AME Church in St.
Louis, Missouri. The marriage was performed by the late Rev. Lonnie C.
Wormerly, Bishop Hubert Nelson Robinson and Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings. They
have served together in ministry at Allen Chapel AME in Alton, Illinois; St.
John AME, Springfield, Illinois; Quinn Chapel AME, Chicago, Illinois and Oak
Grove AME in Detroit, Michigan in 2000.
The Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram was elevated to the office of the
Episcopacy and assigned to the 15th Episcopal District. They served
the 15th Episcopal District for four years and are completing
8-years of notable service in the 10th District.
The Ingram's have one daughter, Jennifer Eman Keanne Ingram and
one very precious granddaughter, Jayda Eman Keanne Ingram. Because of their
love for God, the work of the ministry and each other they have grown closer
together and thank God for all that God has done in their marriage.
Expressions of Love "Can Be" Sent to:
Or
4927 Holly Tree Drive
Dallas, Texas 75287
- Bishop Zedekiah LaZett
Grady and Mother Carrie Etta Robertson Grady celebrate 55 years of marriage
Friday, June 8 2012
Bishop Zedekiah LaZett Grady, the 111th elected and consecrated
Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mother Carrie Etta
Robertson Grady will celebrate 55 years of marriage, years of marriage Friday,
June 8 2012. Bishop and Mother Grady met on the campus of Allen University in
1956 and were married on June 8, 1957 in Winnsboro, South Carolina. After a
successful ministry as a Pastor and Presiding Elder in the state of South
Carolina, Bishop and Mother Grady served the church in the 16th, 9th and 1st
Episcopal Districts.
They will celebrate with their children and grandchildren.
Judith Felita Grady Davis, Constance Grady Woodberry and Kenneth Woodberry Esq.
and Rev. Carey A. Grady (India Clemons) Cara Leigh Davis, Kendall Bynum
Woodberry, Zachary- Andrew Grady Woodberry, and Roman Josiah Woodberry.
Congratulatory wishes may be sent to:
Bishop and Mother Z.L. Grady
1 Wespanee Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
- Payne Theological
Seminary Board of Trustees, President and Faculty present 2012 Graduating Class
Payne Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, President and
Faculty are pleased to present our 2012 graduating class. It is an honor to
present the largest graduating class in the history of the seminary. We awarded 30 Master of Divinity and 3 Doctor
of Ministry degrees on May 18, 2012.
Our graduates are listed below including their degree and
district of service.
Doctor of Ministry
Beaman, Silvester African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 1
Clarke, Richard African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 1
Howard, John Baptist
Master of Divinity
Bailey, Albert Baptist
Boyer, Charles African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 1
Chism, Michael African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 1
Covington, Jermaine African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 3
Davidson, Haywood African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 11
Davis, Kenneth Baptist
Dickey, Pamela. Baptist
Dixon, Michelle. Disciples of Christ
Felton, LaWanda Baptist
German, Etha African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 7
Gooch, Gregory African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 2
Hearst II, Stanley African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 1
Lee-Pruitt, Glenell African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 8
Martin, Tiffany African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 1
Mays, Vickie African Methodist
Episcopal Episcopal District 11
Pace, Carl Baptist
Peppers, Deborah African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 13
Powell, Michael Baptist
Rhodes, Mary African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 7
Robinson, Earl African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 8
Sanders, Keith African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 3
Schaeffer, Karen African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 3
Sims, Dianne African Methodist
Episcopal Episcopal District 1
Smart, Frank African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 1
Strong, Terri African Methodist
Episcopal Episcopal District 13
Tolbert, Jr. Samuel Baptist
Webster, Wendell African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 11
Williams, Allen African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 8
Williams, Brian African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal District 7
Williams-Blocker, Brandi African Methodist Episcopal Episcopal
District 2
- The Reverend Robert
Kirk, Sr., Retired Presiding Elder of the Indiana Conference will celebrate his
90th June 11, 2012
The Reverend Robert Kirk, Sr., retired Presiding Elder of the
South District-Indiana Conference, 4th Episcopal District, will celebrate his
90th birthday, June 11, 2012. The
Reverend Robert Kirk, Sr. is the father of the Reverend Barbara L. Harris,
pastor of Bethel AME Church, Richmond, IN and the Reverend Robert Kirk, Jr.
ministerial staff member at St. Phillip AME Church, Atlanta, GA. The family
states: "We are blessed to join in celebration of his 90th Birthday. To
God Be the Glory!"
Birthday greetings and well wishes for the Rev. Robert Kirk, Sr.
can be emailed to:
The Rev. Barbara L. Harris: revbarbara@yahoo.com
Or Mailed to:
The Rev. Robert Kirk, Sr.
212 Luther Circle
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
- Navy Chaplain, the
Reverend Glenda Jennings Harrison is Selected to Serve as Deputy Chaplain at
Commander Navy Installations Command, Washington Navy Yard
AME Itinerant Elder, Commander Glenda Jennings Harrison
(U. S. Navy, Chaplain Corps) has been selected to serve as Deputy Chaplain at
Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) in Washington, D.C. She will serve
on the staff of Vice Admiral William D. French, who is the CNIC Commanding
Officer.
Chaplain Harrison is an Itinerant Elder within the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, from the Second Episcopal District
(Washington Conference). With this selection, Chaplain Harrison will be serving
in what is known as a “Milestone Billet”, an exclusive designation granted by
the Navy Chaplain Corps to officers that show great potential to excel at the
next rank.
Chaplain Harrison was elated to learn that she had been
bestowed this honor. “I am very humbled by my recent selection to serve as
Deputy Chaplain for CNIC at the historic Washington Navy Yard. I know that it
is truly by God’s grace and mercy that I have been given this great opportunity
to serve in this capacity and I’m proud to represent the African Methodist
Episcopal Church with distinction.” Chaplain Harrison is also enrolled in the
Joint Professional Military Education Course (Phase I) to prepare her for the
range of her new responsibilities.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to Chaplain Glenda Jennings
Harrison
Email: shereegj601@yahoo.com
Home address:
3107 W Place, SE
Washington DC 20020
Danielle K. Dixon
graduated Summa Cum Laude from
Wilberforce University
Miss Danielle K. Dixon, a member of Central Chapel AME Church,
Yellow Springs, Ohio, graduated summa cum laude (top of the class of 2012) from
Wilberforce University on May 5, 2012 with a B.S. degree in Biology. She also
served as the student representative on the Board of Trustees of Wilberforce
University for the 2011-12 academic year.
Danielle is the daughter of Rev. Newton Dixon and Mrs. Elaine Dixon of
the Jamaica Conference, 16th Episcopal District, where Bishop Sarah Frances
Davis is the Presiding Prelate.
"God is good, God be Praised!"
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: newgadix@yahoo.com
-
The Rev. Samuel W. Chambers, pastor
of the Wayman Chapel AME Church New Brighton, Pennsylvania celebrated 50-years of ministry
The Rev. Samuel W. Chambers, pastor of the Wayman Chapel AME
Church of New Brighton, Pennsylvania celebrated 50 years of ministry. He began
his ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of
the late Rev. Reuben C. Eberhardt at Bethel AME Church, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. He was assigned his first charge in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania by
the 69th Bishop
of our great church, Bishop William R. Wilkes. He and his faithful wife, the
former Erma J. McCoy have served 7 churches throughout the Pittsburgh
Conference and 1 church in the West Virginia Conference of the 3rd
Episcopal District. The Stewards of Wayman Chapel AME Church where Rev. and
Mrs. Samuel W. Chambers have served for 3 years, hosted four days of wonderful
celebration activities. On July 17, 2012 the couple will celebrate 47 years of
marriage. They are blessed with three children and five grandchildren. "To
God Be the Glory!” Rev. Chambers is proud to be a part of the Third
Episcopal District where Bishop C. Garnett Henning is the Presiding Prelate and
the Dr. Eric L. Brown serves as the dynamic presiding elder of the
Allegheny/Scranton District of the Pittsburgh Conference, pursuing the title of
General Secretary/Chief Information Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: rev.chambers@verizon.net
- Lic. Ali Gail Holness,
daughter of the Rev. Dr. E. Gail Holness graduated from the Howard University
School of Divinity with a M.Div degree
- On May 12,
2012, Ali Gail Holness received her Master of Divinity degree from Howard
University School of Divinity. She is the daughter of the Rev. Dr. E. Gail
Anderson Holness, pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Washington,
DC. Ali Gail Holness was selected as the
Evans Crawford Fellow and was Graduate Assistant for Dean Bernard
Richardson. Ali graduated from Spelman
College in 2009 (B.A. degree) and Trinity University in Washington in 2010
Master of Arts degree in International Studies.
She graduated kindergarten from Bethel AME Christian School in
Baltimore, Maryland. Ali was admitted
into the Washington Annual Conference in April 2012. She serves as Youth Minister at Christ Our
Redeemer AME Church in Washington. .
Dr. E. Gail
Anderson Holness, Pastor of Christ our Redeemer AME Church, 809 Upshur Street,
NW, Washington, DC 20011
Congratulatory
messages may be sent:
Lic. Ali Gail
Holness: A.G.Holness@gmail.com
Dr. E. Gail
Anderson Holness: egailandersonholness@gmail.com
- The Rev. Malik J. David
Sales, of the Ninth Episcopal District, graduates with the Ph.D., in Systematic
Theology.
The Rev. Malik J. Sales, currently serves on the ministerial
staff at St. Paul AME Church in Berkeley, California where the Rev. Dr. Leslie R. White is the pastor. The Rev. Sales graduated on May 10, 2012 with
the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Philosophical and Systematic Theology from
the Graduate Theological Union. The Rev. Dr. Sales also served as the
commencement speaker for commencement ceremony.
Congratulatory statements/cards may be sent to:
7807 Potrero Avenue
El Cerrito, California 94530
2012 High School
Graduates Submitted
- Tiffany Marie Kelly,
daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. Pastor and first lady of Bethel
African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana graduated from the
Saint Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge on Sunday, May 20, 2012 with first
academic honors and National Honor Society recognition. Tiffany will attend the
Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida in the fall. Congratulatory
messages can be emailed to: hokellyj@yahoo.com
- Darrien Drake Bagneris
Black, the son of Rev. Bobbie D. Bagneris Mudd, Coordinator of the North
Texas Conference, Women in Ministry and Associate Minister at St. Paul A.M.E.
Church in Dallas, TX (Rev. Juan Tolliver, pastor) is graduating from J.J.
Pearce High School in Richardson, TX.
Darrien will attend Utica College in Utica, NY beginning with the Summer
Institute June 30, 2012. Darrien received a Leadership Scholarship from Utica
College and has a desire to major in Classical Civilization and Minor in
History. Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: revbobbie@ymail.com
- Tashay Nicole Maxwell,
the niece of The Reverend Matthew Shannon, the pastor of Beulah AME Church in
Farmville, Virginia graduated from Cane Ridge High School in Antioch, TN on May
19, 2012. Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: mbs102@gmail.com
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
On Monday, June 11, 2012, the Reverend Veola McGowan of the 12th Episcopal
District passed. Reverend McGowan was retired, but prior to her
retirement, she was the faithful pastor for 35 years of the Princeton Circuit.
The Reverend McGowan will always be remembered for her sweet mannerism, and her
genuine love for God and God's people.
The Celebration of the Life of the Rev. Veola McGowan will be held:
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
1501 Caddo Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Arrangements are with Welch Funeral Home
202 South 4th Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
870-230-1400
202 South 4th Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
870-230-1400
Condolences may be shared with the McGowan family via her daughter, Mrs.
Veola Williams, 10100 Stardust Trail, Little Rock, AR 72209; telephone:
501-351-5385
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are sad to announce the transition of the Reverend
Jeremias Baisako yesterday, June 4, 2012. The Reverend Baisako was a superannuated
preacher in Namibia Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District under leadership
of Bishop E Earl McCloud Jr.
The Rev Baisako, one of the founders of the AME Church in
Namibia, was ordained in 1958 as itinerant deacon and 1960 as itinerant elder.
He has served the AME Church faithfully at Robinson AME Church, Tses; Ebenezer
AME Church, Blou West, Soli Deo Gloria AME Church, Kutenhoas; Elim AME Church,
Kainachas; AE Koopman AME Church, Berseba and retired from active ministry in
1993 due to ill-health. He was preceded to glory by his 1st and 2nd wives, and
leaves a legacy of virtues of patience, tolerance and humility.
All enquiries can be directed to Rev Dr Andreas Biwa,
presiding elder of the Luderitz District at +26463223457 or +264812132394
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - Let your email find you! The joy of the Lord
is my Strength!
Submitted by the Rev W. S.
Hanse, Presiding Elder [revwshansepe@yahoo.com]
29. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of the Rev. Howard W.
Johnson on Friday, May 25, 2012. The Rev. Johnson was a retired Itinerant Elder
in the 10th Episcopal District.
He was called to ministry in 1960 and pastored churches in the North, Northeast
and Northwest Texas Conferences.
His ministry took him to St. Joseph's AME Church-Dallas, Texas,
Macedonia AME Church-Kaufman, Texas, Bethel AME Church-Corsicana, Texas, St.
Paul AME Church (White Rock) Dallas, Texas, Ebenezer AME Church-Tyler, Texas
and finally he retired from Edwards Chapel AME Church-Palmer, Texas.
The following information has been shared in regards to Viewing
and Homegoing Celebration for Rev. Howard Johnson:
The funeral was held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Singing Hills
Memorial Chapel in Dallas, Texas.
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT
TO:
The family:
The Rev. Howard W. Johnson
426 Glen Oaks Blvd
Dallas, Texas 75232
Telephone: (214) 374-6610
30. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Dr. James Brown, M.D.
He was the brother of Mrs. Erma Chambers, wife of the Rev. Samuel Chambers,
pastor of Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Brighton,
Pennsylvania.
The funeral was held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at First United
Methodist Church of Hyattsville Drive in Hyattsville, Maryland.
View - Sign Guest Book:
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Erma Chambers
1120 6th Avenue
New Brighton, PA 15066
Email: rev.chambers@verizon.net
31.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that we inform you that Brother Leon Thornton, 10th
Episcopal District Lay President, has transitioned from labor to rest. Mr. Leon
Thornton passed on May 27, 2012.
The funeral
was held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at Smith Chapel AME Church
In Dallas, Texas.
Condolences may be sent to:
Sister Patricia Thornton
911 Cresthaven Drive
Lancaster, Texas 75134
Telephone: (972) 227-3815
32.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret, that we announce the passing of Sister Dorothy
Conway on May 22, 2012. She was the wife of the Rev. Lewis Conway, a retired
Itinerant Elder in the 10th Episcopal District. Sister Dorothy Conway was a member of Vision
of Hope AME Church, Austin, Texas, Dr. Mark Washington, pastor; Dr. Lawrence R.
Emanuel, Presiding Elder, Austin Capital District.
The Homegoing Celebration was held for Sister Dorothy Conway on
Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Grant AME Worship Center in Austin, Texas.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Lewis Conway
7304 Barcelona Drive
Austin, Texas 78752
Phone: (512) 458-1445
33.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Allie Buddy Hart, Sr. who
departed this life on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 in Nashville, TN. He is survived by his devoted niece, the Rev.
Anna Robinson, an associate minister at Lee Chapel AME Church in Nashville,
Tennessee and other family and friends.
The Funeral
Mass was held on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at St. Edwards Catholic
Church in Nashville, Tennessee.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent in care of the family of Allie
Buddy Hart, Jr. to:
Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Highway
Nashville, TN 37208
Or to:
The Reverend Anna Robinson
P.O. Box 2198
Antioch, TN 37011
Phone: (615) 415-4492
34. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Tuesday night, June 12, 2012, the Reverend Hugh Bennett, a
retired preacher in the Oklahoma State Annual Conference passed away. Reverend
Bennett faithfully served as pastor of St. James AME Church in Arcadia, Oklahoma,
and Allen Chapel AME Church prior to his retirement.
The Reverend Bennett was partnered in ministry by his spouse,
Mrs. Cordelia Bennett who once served as the 12th Episcopal District
Director of Music as well as a Connectional Officer in the Music Ministry of
the AME Church. The Reverend Bennett was a gentle giant and possessed a gift of
preaching, praying and singing. His renditions of the hymns of the Church as
well as selections from "Porgy and Bess" brought much pleasure to
those around him.
The Celebration of Life Service will be held:
Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 11 a.m.
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
1400 NE 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Reverend Harvey G. Potts, Pastor
Arrangements are entrusted to:
Temple and Sons Funeral Home
2801 No. Kelley Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK
405-427-8321
Condolences may be shared with:
Mrs. Cordelia Bennett and Family
1713 NE 44th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
405-427-1579
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to: bennettkrazylala@aol.com or amec_box12@yahoo.com
35. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Willie James
Moses on Monday evening June 11, 2012.
The Rev. Willie James Moses, age 67, was a retired Itinerant Elder of
the East Tennessee Conference and member of Bethel AME Church, Chattanooga,
Tennessee.
The Rev. Willie James Moses entered the ministry in the 3rd
Episcopal District while he was a student at Wilberforce University,
Wilberforce, Ohio under the leadership of the Rev. Carl Liggins and he preached
his second sermon in the 13th Episcopal District at St. Paul AME
Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee under the leadership of the Rev. C. E.
Jenkins. He was admitted to the East Tennessee Annual Conference by Bishop
Frederick Douglas Jordan and he was elected and ordained an Itinerant Deacon by
Bishop Carey Abraham Gibbs. He was
elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder by Bishop William Reid Wilkes, Sr. He
served faithfully and diligently under a total of ten Bishops and he served in
sixteen churches in the East Tennessee Annual Conference and one church in the
Tennessee Annual Conference. In 2006, he retired from the work of the active
ministry.
Service arrangements for Rev. Willie James Moses:
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Family Visitation: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
John P. Franklin Funeral Home
1101 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Funeral: 1:00 PM
Bethel AME Church
2000 Walker Street
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: 423-622-1261
The Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr., Senior Pastor/Officiant
The Reverend Wesley I. Reid, Eulogist
Pastor of Lee Memorial AME Church, Cleveland, OH
Services are entrusted to:
John P. Franklin Funeral Home
1101 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: 423-622-9995
Fax: 423-622-9990
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: John P. Franklin Funeral Home
Checks should be made payable to John P. Franklin Funeral Home
and mailed to:
John P. Franklin Funeral Home
1101 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Sympathy cards may be sent to:
The family of the Rev. Willie James Moses
C/o Bethel AME Church
2000 Walker Street
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Email condolences can be emailed to: RobertaAbernathy@hotmail.com
36. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Daisy Banks
Gray. Ms. Gray is the sister of the
Reverend Larry M. Banks, Pastor of Bethel AMEC, West Memphis; the Reverend
Lessly Banks, Pastor of Toones Chapel AMEC, Leola, and the Reverend Andrew
Banks, pastor of St. James-Stephens and Earlyview AMEC, McNeil.
The funeral for Ms. Daisy Banks Gray was held on Thursday, June
14, 2012 at St. James AME Church in Stephens, Arkansas.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Bethel AME Church
The Rev. Larry M. Banks, Pastor
2403 East Barton Ave
West Memphis, AR 72301
Toones Chapel AME Church
The Rev. Lessly Banks, Pastor
P. O. Box 188 / 333 N. 5th Street
Leola, AR 71725
St. James-Stephens AME Church
The Rev. Andrew Banks, Pastor
PO Box 188/ Arch Street
Stephens, AR 71764
Or:
Early View AME Church
The Rev. Andrew Banks, Pastor
Columbia City Road 72
McNeil, AR 71752
37. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Kenneth
Burnett. Reverend Burnett passed away on Wednesday evening, June 6, 2012 in
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He was the pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal
Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The following arrangements celebrating his life have been made:
Viewing will held on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home
465 South Main Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
570-823-7157
Fax: 570-823-4170
The Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at
the
Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Condolences and Cards can be sent to:
Mrs. Donna Burnett
32 Lockhart Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
38. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the transition of Brother Randy Shelton
Wilson, the nephew of Sister Gwendolyn Brown, Central South Carolina Annual Conference
President of MSWAWO+PK's and the Chairperson for the Nominating Committee for
Conn-M-SWAWO+PK's. Sister Gwendolyn
Brown is married to the Rev. Ronnie Brown pastor of Pine Grove AME Church.
Brother Randy made his transition from life on June 2, 2012 at
McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC.
.
The Funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the
Greater St. Mark AME Church in Hemingway, South Carolina.
Online Guest Book:
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Sister Gwendolyn Brown
P.O. Box 730
Hemingway, South Carolina, 29554
Telephone: 843-558-3010
Email: gmabelbrown@aol.com
39. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Angela Hawthorne Smith, wife of Presiding Elder William Smith,
Jr., of the Marion District, of the Seventh Episcopal District transitioned
from labor to reward on Sunday, June 3, 2012. Her beautiful spirit brought joy
to those she encountered along the way. She will be remembered for her kindness
and great sense of humor. She served as an officer in the Local, District,
Conference, Episcopal, and Connectional Levels of the Young People's Division
(YPD), Area Consultant for the Columbia and Marion District, CONN-M-SWAWO+PK's,
Liaison for South Carolina Clergy Family Information Center reporting with
great dispatch clergy family bereavements.
Angela served with great distinction as a DMC Conference Commissioner in
the Northeast and South Carolina Conferences.
Sister Angela Smith was a member of Chappelle Memorial AME
Church in Columbia, South Carolina. She participated
in the following organizations: Steward Board, Stewardesses Board I, Lay
Organization, Lucile Holman Missionary Unit, and a member of the Voices of
Chappelle.
Sister Angela was always conscious of her civic responsibilities
and the needs of her community. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Inc., NAACP, Church Women United, Interdenominational Ministerial Wives
Alliance, and active with the Voter Registration Drive.
The following information has been provided regarding service arrangements:
The Homegoing Service/Celebration of Life Service was held on
Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in
Columbia, South Carolina.
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Reverend Dr. William Smith, Jr. & Family
P.O. Box 25098-29224
Columbia, South Carolina, 29224
803-736-0855
Email: WSmith0618@aol.com
40. 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
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
41. 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 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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