THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (2/2/12)

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

February 12 - Founder’s Day

February 14, 2012 – Bishop Richard Allen’s Birthday

February – Black History Month

January - Cervical Health Awareness Month

Lent 2012 begins on Ash Wednesday - February 22, 2012

1.  EDITORIAL – THEIR ICE IS NOT COLDER:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,

The 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

It’s amazing how perception can influence behavior.  A few years ago someone came out with the statement that there are more “I used to be AME than there are actual AMEs”; and that the African Methodist Episcopal Church dying and is losing members. I suspect that’s more perception than reality because I am not aware of any study that confirms that information; and AMEs, without any authentic documentation, are going around saying, “the AME Church is losing members.” 

Some AMEs, instead of accentuating the positive, without credible documentation, choose to accentuate the negative because they perceive that the AME Church is losing members; perhaps because they heard someone say the AME Church is losing members; or perhaps their local church is losing members.

Another perception is that other churches, particularly churches with Pentecostal worship styles and non-denominational churches appear to be growing. Some pastors, because of their perceptions of why other churches are successful, conclude that the AME worship traditions are outmoded and “out of sync” with today’s population and especially with young people.

Our perceptions are our realities

Unfortunately, for each one of us, our perception is our reality; real or unreal; our thinking and behavior is influenced by what we perceive to be reality. And even more unfortunately and more disappointingly, perceptions, not only affect individual behavior, but are also crystallized in groups and affect group behavior.

Why so many disparaging perceptions?

I believe that many in the AME Church suffer from, “their ice is colder” syndrome; and a lack of appreciation and respect for the AME brand. I believe that most readers understand the concept of “their ice is colder” syndrome that says, “What they have is better than what we have.”

Some people and groups think that way because of low self-esteem and a lack of appreciation for what they have, or, to say it another way, a lack of appreciation of their brand.

The brand

The AME Church has a brand, but unfortunately many of our leaders, both clergy and laity have little or no understanding or appreciation of our brand. It seems that some members of our Zion, unthinkingly, are quick to discard our brand.

The American Marketing Association defines a brand as a "name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from those of other sellers."

A brand can take many forms, including a name, sign, symbol, color combination or slogan.  Branding is a tool that helps organizations establish perceptions that become people’s reality. For instance, when many of us think about owning the ultimate automobile we think about BMW because BMW has always been known as the “ultimate driving machine.”  

When most people think of Cadillac, they think of it as America's premier luxury car; and the Cadillac symbol comes to mind.

When people think about Mercedes Benz they think about a well-built German luxury automobile and the three-pointed star, which has adorned the radiator at the front of the Mercedes Benz since 1910.The three-pointed star symbolized the company’s ability to build motors for “land, water and air” vehicles.  Small additions were made to the star like surrounding the star with a circle and other minor additions, but the three-pointed star remained the brand for Mercedes Benz. 

The brand image for an organization defines the qualities that people associate with a particular organization that helps organizations establish perceptions that becomes people’s reality. Organizations do not get rid of their brands; they build upon their brands as Mercedes Benz did by surrounding the three-sided star with the circle. The three-sided star has been the Mercedes-Benz's brand since 1910.

The AME brand

The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a brand, but too many of us are willing to abandon our brand and some people even disrespect and misuse our brand.

The Cross and Anvil is a brand of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Many church people, if shown a Cross and Anvil will think of the AME Church. We have had the Cross and Anvil as a brand for a number of years.

The United Methodist Church has a brand of the Cross and Flame, which they protect with the statement, “The Cross and Flame is a registered trademark and the use is supervised by the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church. Permission to use the Cross and Flame must be obtained from the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church.” 

It seems that anybody and everybody uses our Cross and Anvil brand for any and everything. Several years ago a lady was trying to sell me something that had the AME logo and I asked her if she had gotten permission to use the Cross and Anvil from the AMEC Sunday School Union. She responded that she hadn’t and said “Nobody gets permission to use the AME logo.”  When I tried to explain the proper procedure to her for using the AME logo, she got a little indignant. I didn’t purchase her product.

Defining, appreciating and refining the brand

The Cross and Anvil is not the only brand of the AME Church. The AME Church has other attributes that define us as an historic denomination. 

AME clergy and laity should know our brand; and our leaders have to be proactive in projecting, protecting and refining our brand.  We have to know all the facets of our branding as AMEs.

Every AME should know the mission, core purpose, vision, values and character of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  And we should focus upon what we do best and work to our strengths and not to our weaknesses.  As a connectional Church we need to have consistency of our core values across the denomination and we should be able to communicate our message.

A study of successful organizations reveals that they protect their brand because they value their brand and they do not want people or other organizations to violate the use of their brand. 

More than the Cross and Anvil

The AME Church brand is more than the Cross and Anvil, the AME brand is the character, worship, liturgy, spiritual, ethical and moral fiber of our denomination. Our brand is how we are perceived by those outside of the AME Church and our connection to our constituency within the AME Church; and if we are faithful in connecting with our constituency, they will reach out to the world to bring others to Jesus Christ.

Who are we and what is our brand

 What do we need to celebrate as African Methodists? What is our brand?

Our celebration

We should celebrate that we are Methodist and we should be proud of our heritage. We should celebrate the reality that we are the sons and daughters of Richard, Flora and Sarah Allen. 

We should celebrate our Connectionalism and celebrate that AMEs around the world are "connected" through the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and we should celebrate that we can attend an AME Church anywhere in the world and know that we are in an AME Church.

We should celebrate the wisdom of the mothers and fathers of the Church for their insight to present a basic form of worship with allows our ministers to make additions as needed in worship for their own particular environment. The Discipline says about the AME Public Worship and Ritual: "Our order of worship is intended to be flexible so as to provide for richness and variety of content at the same time, it must have such unity as to insure that all members of our church will feel at home in any AME church."  We should celebrate the mothers and fathers’ superb judgment and flexibility, but we should not celebrate or tolerate pastors who summarily dismantle AME public worship and ritual. 

As an aside, many of our churches include the altar call. The altar call is not a part of the AME Church public worship and ritual, but many pastors and churches have embraced the practice; and the addition has been meaningful and it allows people to go to the altar and speak to God in their own way.

The Discipline allows ministers to make additions, but The Discipline does not give pastors permission to remove items from the worship and ritual. The Discipline provides the "'Order' of Worship and Ritual," not "Suggestions" for "Worship and Ritual." Pastors should be held accountable to insure they follow the rules of The Discipline as it relates to worship and ritual, as well as to the other rules related to the ministry.

Other brands of our Zion

The most visible and recurring brand of our Zion is observable week after week in our worship services. Worshippers and visitors should be able to recognize our brand the moment they enter the sanctuary.

For example, as a sacramental church the altar, chancel rail and the pulpit should make a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church feel at home, but the altar, chancel rail and pulpit could easily be observed in United Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, or any other sacramental church. The altar, chancel rail, and pulpit are the brands for a number of churches. When a parishioner first enters our sanctuary, he or she could be in a number of churches when he or she sees the altar, chancel rail, and pulpit.

If there is a choir processional, the unique AME brand at that juncture of the worship service would not necessarily be evident because a number of churches have processionals.

At the point in the worship service when the pastor stands behind the pulpit and announces the Doxology and invites the congregation to sing, "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow," it is at that point a worshiper, might figure that he or she is in an AME worship service because the Doxology at the beginning of worship is an AME brand. And following the Doxology, the pastor intones, "I was glad when they said unto me…" And, at that point, an AME worshipper would know that he or she is in an AME worship service because the brand of the Doxology at the beginning of the worship service would have been reinforced by the AME Call to Worship.

The prayer or invocation is not just a brand of the AME Church, because prayer is a brand of all Christian churches, but the prayer before the Scripture is Methodism. In Methodism we have the prayer before the Scripture because we invoke God’s presence before the reading of the Word of God.

The Scripture is read and following the Scripture, if the worship and ritual of the AME Church is followed, the Preface Hymn to the Decalogue is sung; and at that point, an AME worshipper would know for sure that he or she is in an AME worship service because the Preface Hymn to the Decalogue and the Decalogue are uniquely AME, which makes it our brand.

The Affirmation of Faith is recited by many sacramental churches, but when we lift the offering and sing the offertory, “All Things Come of Thee…,” the Offertory that is sung in AME churches is our brand, because the Offertory that we sing is uniquely AME.

What difference does it make

In business, branding is important and many companies work hard to develop branding strategies. When people are committed to a band, it develops their loyalties. For example, I was loyal to the BlackBerry smart phone but over the last year or so I noticed that they did not keep up with technology and their efficiencies, in my mind, decreased. I remained loyal to them as long as I could, but the BlackBerry service brand diminished to the point that they were not meeting my needs, so I had to transition to another phone, and reluctantly I purchased an iPhone.

Businesses understand the importance of keeping their customers, and there is an adage in the business community that says, "It's easier to keep the customers you already have then it is to go out and get new customers." I believe the same thing holds true for churches and it holds true for the AME Church; we should not abandon our brand and the parishioners we already have on the rolls, to search for new members. 

I am hearing more times than I can count that the AME brand is important to a number of our AME parishioners, who feel that some pastors are abandoning the AME brand, apparently because they think the “ice” of some other denominations is colder."  Or, pastors who abandon the AME liturgy think they have a better “handle” on what the people need.

The “ice of other denominations is not colder,” they just might have a better plan for ministry and they probably remain faithful to their brand.

We, AMEs should remain faithful to our brand; our ice is just as cold. 

Editor’s Comment: We welcome an op-ed on this subject.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

- To the Editor:

Re: TCR News Break: An Open Letter to Newt Gingrich drafted by AMEC Delaware Annual Conference Ministerial Institute (Huff Post Black Voices, Joi Ruth Orr) See Item #25 below

This letter is appropriate and timely. Mr. Newt Gingrich needs to apologize to our children.

Mr. Newt Gingrich, there is no place in this wonderful America for such offensive statement against poor innocent young children; "Who are the leaders of today, responsible for our tomorrow/ the future"

Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr.

President of the Council of Bishops

- To the Editor:

Re: TCR News Break: An Open Letter to Newt Gingrich drafted by AMEC Delaware Annual Conference Ministerial Institute (Huff Post Black Voices, Joi Ruth Orr) See Item #25 below

What a well-worded letter! The Delaware Annual Conference Ministerial Institute is to be applauded and congratulated for taking this position and acting upon it. Great leadership!

Of course, Mr. Gingrich will not have the faintest idea what an A.M.E. Ministerial Institute is, will he?

Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns

Author, The Upward Journey

3. REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AT THE NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST HELD THIS MORNING, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

February 2, 2012

9:10 a.m. EST

Washington Hilton

Washington, D.C.

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Please, please, everybody have a seat.  Well, good morning, everybody.  It is good to be with so many friends united in prayer.  And I begin by giving all praise and honor to God for bringing us together here today.

I want to thank our co-chairs Mark and Jeff; to my dear friend, the guy who always has my back, Vice President Biden.  (Applause.)  All the members of Congress –- Joe deserves a hand –- all the members of Congress and my Cabinet who are here today; all the distinguished guests who’ve traveled a long way to be part of this.  I’m not going to be as funny as Eric -- (laughter) -- but I’m grateful that he shared his message with us.  Michelle and I feel truly blessed to be here.

This is my third year coming to this prayer breakfast as President.  As Jeff mentioned, before that, I came as senator.  I have to say, it’s easier coming as President.  (Laughter.)  I don’t have to get here quite as early.  But it’s always been an opportunity that I’ve cherished.  And it’s a chance to step back for a moment, for us to come together as brothers and sisters and seek God’s face together.  At a time when it’s easy to lose ourselves in the rush and clamor of our own lives, or get caught up in the noise and rancor that too often passes as politics today, these moments of prayer slow us down.  They humble us.  They remind us that no matter how much responsibility we have, how fancy our titles, how much power we think we hold, we are imperfect vessels.  We can all benefit from turning to our Creator, listening to Him.  Avoiding phony religiosity, listening to Him.  

    

This is especially important right now, when we’re facing some big challenges as a nation.  Our economy is making progress as we recover from the worst crisis in three generations, but far too many families are still struggling to find work or make the mortgage, pay for college, or, in some cases, even buy food.  Our men and women in uniform have made us safer and more secure, and we were eternally grateful to them, but war and suffering and hardship still remain in too many corners of the globe.  And a lot of those men and women who we celebrate on Veterans Day and Memorial Day come back and find that, when it comes to finding a job or getting the kind of care that they need, we’re not always there the way we need to be.

It’s absolutely true that meeting these challenges requires sound decision-making, requires smart policies.  We know that part of living in a pluralistic society means that our personal religious beliefs alone can’t dictate our response to every challenge we face. 

But in my moments of prayer, I’m reminded that faith and values play an enormous role in motivating us to solve some of our most urgent problems, in keeping us going when we suffer setbacks, and opening our minds and our hearts to the needs of others. 

We can’t leave our values at the door.  If we leave our values at the door, we abandon much of the moral glue that has held our nation together for centuries, and allowed us to become somewhat more perfect a union.  Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Jane Addams, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, Abraham Heschel -- the majority of great reformers in American history did their work not just because it was sound policy, or they had done good analysis, or understood how to exercise good politics, but because their faith and their values dictated it, and called for bold action -- sometimes in the face of indifference, sometimes in the face of resistance.

This is no different today for millions of Americans, and it’s certainly not for me.

I wake up each morning and I say a brief prayer, and I spend a little time in scripture and devotion.  And from time to time, friends of mine, some of who are here today, friends like Joel Hunter or T.D. Jakes, will come by the Oval Office or they’ll call on the phone or they’ll send me a email, and we’ll pray together, and they’ll pray for me and my family, and for our country.

But I don’t stop there.  I’d be remiss if I stopped there; if my values were limited to personal moments of prayer or private conversations with pastors or friends.  So instead, I must try -- imperfectly, but I must try -- to make sure those values motivate me as one leader of this great nation.

And so when I talk about our financial institutions playing by the same rules as folks on Main Street, when I talk about making sure insurance companies aren’t discriminating against those who are already sick, or making sure that unscrupulous lenders aren’t taking advantage of the most vulnerable among us, I do so because I genuinely believe it will make the economy stronger for everybody.  But I also do it because I know that far too many neighbors in our country have been hurt and treated unfairly over the last few years, and I believe in God’s command to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”  I know the version of that Golden Rule is found in every major religion and every set of beliefs -– from Hinduism to Islam to Judaism to the writings of Plato. 

And when I talk about shared responsibility, it’s because I genuinely believe that in a time when many folks are struggling, at a time when we have enormous deficits, it’s hard for me to ask seniors on a fixed income, or young people with student loans, or middle-class families who can barely pay the bills to shoulder the burden alone.  And I think to myself, if I’m willing to give something up as somebody who’s been extraordinarily blessed, and give up some of the tax breaks that I enjoy, I actually think that’s going to make economic sense.

But for me as a Christian, it also coincides with Jesus’ teaching that “for unto whom much is given, much shall be required.”  It mirrors the Islamic belief that those who’ve been blessed have an obligation to use those blessings to help others, or the Jewish doctrine of moderation and consideration for others.

When I talk about giving every American a fair shot at opportunity, it’s because I believe that when a young person can afford a college education, or someone who’s been unemployed suddenly has a chance to retrain for a job and regain that sense of dignity and pride, and contributing to the community as well as supporting their families -- that helps us all prosper. 

It means maybe that research lab on the cusp of a lifesaving discovery, or the company looking for skilled workers is going to do a little bit better, and we’ll all do better as a consequence.  It makes economic sense.  But part of that belief comes from my faith in the idea that I am my brother’s keeper and I am my sister’s keeper; that as a country, we rise and fall together.  I’m not an island.  I’m not alone in my success.  I succeed because others succeed with me.

And when I decide to stand up for foreign aid, or prevent atrocities in places like Uganda, or take on issues like human trafficking, it’s not just about strengthening alliances, or promoting democratic values, or projecting American leadership around the world, although it does all those things and it will make us safer and more secure.  It’s also about the biblical call to care for the least of these –- for the poor; for those at the margins of our society. 

To answer the responsibility we’re given in Proverbs to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”  And for others, it may reflect the Jewish belief that the highest form of charity is to do our part to help others stand on their own. 

Treating others as you want to be treated.  Requiring much from those who have been given so much.  Living by the principle that we are our brother’s keeper.  Caring for the poor and those in need.  These values are old.  They can be found in many denominations and many faiths, among many believers and among many non-believers.  And they are values that have always made this country great -- when we live up to them; when we don’t just give lip service to them; when we don’t just talk about them one day a year.  And they’re the ones that have defined my own faith journey. 

And today, with as many challenges as we face, these are the values I believe we’re going to have to return to in the hopes that God will buttress our efforts.

Now, we can earnestly seek to see these values lived out in our politics and our policies, and we can earnestly disagree on the best way to achieve these values.  In the words of C.S. Lewis, “Christianity has not, and does not profess to have a detailed political program.  It is meant for all men at all times, and the particular program which suited one place or time would not suit another.” 

Our goal should not be to declare our policies as biblical.  It is God who is infallible, not us.  Michelle reminds me of this often.  (Laughter.)  So instead, it is our hope that people of goodwill can pursue their values and common ground and the common good as best they know how, with respect for each other.  And I have to say that sometimes we talk about respect, but we don’t act with respect towards each other during the course of these debates.

But each and every day, for many in this room, the biblical injunctions are not just words, they are also deeds.  Every single day, in different ways, so many of you are living out your faith in service to others. 

Just last month, it was inspiring to see thousands of young Christians filling the Georgia Dome at the Passion Conference, to worship the God who sets the captives free and work to end modern slavery.  Since we’ve expanded and strengthened the White House faith-based initiative, we’ve partnered with Catholic Charities to help Americans who are struggling with poverty; worked with organizations like World Vision and American Jewish World Service and Islamic Relief to bring hope to those suffering around the world.  

Colleges across the country have answered our Interfaith Campus Challenge, and students are joined together across religious lines in service to others.  From promoting responsible fatherhood to strengthening adoption, from helping people find jobs to serving our veterans, we’re linking arms with faith-based groups all across the country. 

I think we all understand that these values cannot truly find voice in our politics and our policies unless they find a place in our hearts.  The Bible teaches us to “be doers of the word and not merely hearers.”  We’re required to have a living, breathing, active faith in our own lives.  And each of us is called on to give something of ourselves for the betterment of others -- and to live the truth of our faith not just with words, but with deeds.  

So even as we join the great debates of our age -- how we best put people back to work, how we ensure opportunity for every child, the role of government in protecting this extraordinary planet that God has made for us, how we lessen the occasions of war -- even as we debate these great issues, we must be reminded of the difference that we can make each day in our small interactions, in our personal lives.

As a loving husband, or a supportive parent, or a good neighbor, or a helpful colleague -- in each of these roles, we help bring His kingdom to Earth.  And as important as government policy may be in shaping our world, we are reminded that it’s the cumulative acts of kindness and courage and charity and love, it’s the respect we show each other and the generosity that we share with each other that in our everyday lives will somehow sustain us during these challenging times.  John tells us that, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Mark read a letter from Billy Graham, and it took me back to one of the great honors of my life, which was visiting Reverend Graham at his mountaintop retreat in North Carolina, when I was on vacation with my family at a hotel not far away.

And I can still remember winding up the path up a mountain to his home.  Ninety-one years old at the time, facing various health challenges, he welcomed me as he would welcome a family member or a close friend.  This man who had prayed great prayers that inspired a nation, this man who seemed larger than life, greeted me and was as kind and as gentle as could be.

And we had a wonderful conversation.  Before I left, Reverend Graham started praying for me, as he had prayed for so many Presidents before me.  And when he finished praying, I felt the urge to pray for him.  I didn’t really know what to say.  What do you pray for when it comes to the man who has prayed for so many?  But like that verse in Romans, the Holy Spirit interceded when I didn’t know quite what to say.

And so I prayed -- briefly, but I prayed from the heart.  I don’t have the intellectual capacity or the lung capacity of some of my great preacher friends here that have prayed for a long time.  (Laughter.)  But I prayed.  And we ended with an embrace and a warm goodbye.

And I thought about that moment all the way down the mountain, and I’ve thought about it in the many days since.  Because I thought about my own spiritual journey –- growing up in a household that wasn’t particularly religious; going through my own period of doubt and confusion; finding Christ when I wasn’t even looking for him so many years ago; possessing so many shortcomings that have been overcome by the simple grace of God.  And the fact that I would ever be on top of a mountain, saying a prayer for Billy Graham –- a man whose faith had changed the world and that had sustained him through triumphs and tragedies, and movements and milestones –- that simple fact humbled me to my core.

I have fallen on my knees with great regularity since that moment -- asking God for guidance not just in my personal life and my Christian walk, but in the life of this nation and in the values that hold us together and keep us strong.  I know that He will guide us.  He always has, and He always will.  And I pray his richest blessings on each of you in the days ahead.

Thank you very much.  (Applause.)

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/02/02/remarks-president-national-prayer-breakfast

4. AME ROSCOE DRAPER HELPED TRAIN TUSKEGEE AIRMAN WHO ARE FEATURED IN THE FILM, “RED TAILS”:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

The Movie, “Red Tails” is making a splash in the news and we are hearing more and more about the Tuskegee Airmen, the black fighter pilots who served so courageously in Europe during World War II.  

Forty-nine years ago, I met a living legend, but I didn’t know that he was a legend. Mr. Roscoe Draper was a flight instructor at Tuskegee Institute during World War II. Mr. Draper was an Aviation Instructor, employed by Tuskegee Institute to teach Aviation in their civilian and military courses from 1942-1945. 

In 1963, I had never heard of the Tuskegee Airmen, but that was the year, as an adult that I met Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Draper and their two daughters and son. He probably knew me as a child running around Bryn Mawr. Our families have been close over the years and he and his family have been big supporters of our ministry. Mr. Roscoe Draper is a member of Bethel AME Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.  I served on the ministerial staff from 1963-1966.

Recently, I asked Mr. Draper how long he had been a member of Bethel, Bryn Mawr.  He responded, “I was in Bethel before I went to public school in Rosemont (Pennsylvania), probably 1925.  I graduated from Haverford High School in 1937.  I have been at Bethel for as long as I can remember.”

Mr. Draper was the first African American I had ever met who was a certified pilot. It was hard to believe that he was a pilot because in those days, most of us had never heard of or seen a black airplane pilot; and added to that, he was so down-to-earth.

Mr. Draper went to Hampton in 1937 and after Hampton went to Tuskegee in 1940 and became a certificated Flight Instructor in 1942. 

Mr. Draper was an Aviation Instructor, employed by Tuskegee Institute to teach Aviation in their civilian and military courses from 1942-1945. Mr. Draper said, “Charles Alfred Anderson was flying in the Philadelphia area when I was a kid.  He was the Chief Pilot over all of us civilian Primary Phase instructors who flew from Moton Field, the only primary flight facility for African-American pilot candidates in the U.S. Army Air Corps (Army Air Forces) during World War II.”

Mr. Draper went on to explain, “When the Civil Pilot Training Program (CPTP) was introduced in colleges, Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) was one of the colleges that was involved in the program. I had no interest in Aviation until it was offered in the CPTP, because I knew I couldn't afford such a career.”

Thing were not easy, even for a black qualified certified flight instructor who had taught on the college level.  Mr. Draper went on to explain, “After the war ended, I found employment in the Post Office for 23 years; from 1947-1970). In 1970, I transferred to the Federal Aviation Authority (now the Federal Aviation Administration), from which I retired in 1983 - Fixed Wing & Rotary Wing (helicopters), from the position of Operations Inspector.”

Mr. Draper acquired his Rotary Instructor certification at age 60! He said, “Thanks to a good instructor, I was able to make the most difficult helicopter maneuver, hovering, the easiest maneuver to master!  I tell people you merely position the controls properly, and “almost do nothing” and I can do nothing better than anyone!”  Of course we don’t believe that flying a helicopter is as easy as Mr. Draper explains.

Mr. Draper said, “These days I leave the flying to younger, sharper pilots, but I believe I still can out-fly many of today's airplane and helicopter pilots!  I estimate my total flying to be more than 10,000 hours.”

Mr. Roscoe Draper is a living legend and he is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

5. THE 8^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT FOUNDER’S DAY:

The Founder's Day Venue for the 8th Episcopal District will be held at Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi on Saturday, February 4, 2012.  There will be no activities at Bonner Campbell. Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry is the Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District.

6. THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CELEBRATES FOUNDERS’ DAY

Glenn Dale, Maryland (January) – The Second Episcopal District of the Washington Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the oldest Black Christian denomination in the United States will celebrate Founders’ Day 2012, Thursday, February 16 – Saturday, February 18, 2012.  Reid Temple AME Church is the site for the Second District Annual Founders’ Day, where the Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington is the host pastor; and the Reverend Dr. Goodwin Douglas and the Reverend Dr. Louis Charles-Harvey are the host presiding elders.

The Second Episcopal District of the AME Church encompasses the jurisdictions of Washington, DC; Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, where over 180,000 members in over 400 churches.

As we celebrate the 224^th Anniversary of the AME Church and the 252^nd Birthday of our founder, Richard Allen, we are excited to salute and honor our leadership for the past eight years; Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. and Episcopal Supervisor Connie Speights Richardson.

What a wonderful way to celebrate Black History Month and the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and its rich heritage and traditions. Thousands of AMEs will come together for business and educational sessions; and to celebrate, worship, and praise the goodness of the Lord.

Reid Temple AME Church is located at 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard in Glenn Dale, Maryland.

For additional details about the Second Episcopal District and Founders Day, please contact the Rev. Jonathan L. Weaver, at 301-249-7545 or e-mail FoundersDayPR@gmnebo.org or visit www.2ndamec.org

Submitted by Ms. Pamela J. King-Williams, Union Bethel AME Church - Public Relations Ministry, Seawright for Bishop

7. BULLYING FOR UGGS: UGGS ARE TO GIRLS WHAT AIR JORDANS ARE TO BOYS:

*The Rev. Will Kenlaw

Uggs are expensive ($100 to $375) boots and shoes marketed by an Australian company of the same name.   They have an especially strong, almost fanatical following by teenage girls.   In short, Uggs are a status symbol.  As such, teenagers beg for them, work for them, steal for them, bully for them, and even threaten for them.   That’s the reason for this story.

Our 16 year-old daughter was finishing her lunch in high school when she was approached by another  teen-ager who informed her, in no uncertain terms, that the boots she was wearing were stolen and should be returned to their rightful owner (one of the accuser’s friends).  After listening to her accusations, peppered with profanity, our daughter told her that the accusation was false and that she owned the boots.

Within seconds, our daughter was then surrounded by four girls, including the accuser, who each decided to weigh in with their questions, thoughts, and accusations.   As is the custom for public confrontations in high school, an additional three or four girls stood behind the front four to witness or assist with the confrontation.  Our daughter, as best she could, remained calm and told the girls that the boots were a Christmas present from her parents and that she could prove it.   She suggested that they take the matter to school security and let them sort it out.  The gang of four refused.   After more verbal sparring, the owner of the stolen boots then stated that she wanted the proof.  She wanted to speak with a parent, the mother.   While still surrounded by four threatening teenagers and an increasing party of onlookers, our daughter called her mother at work, had her pulled out of a meeting to take the call, and handed the phone to the teen.

My wife informed the unknown teenager that, yes; the boots were indeed a Christmas gift.  The teen replied, “Then why don’t they look new.  New ones have a tag on the sole.  These don’t have that tag.”  My wife then informed the teen that the boots were purchased “used” off eBay, the Internet website which sells anything people are willing to post and others are willing to buy.

This confirming information from my wife prevented what threatened to be a vigilante or gang-style beating of our daughter to physically take the boots.   The gang backed off and moved about fifteen feet away.  They were heard saying, “Don’t worry we’ll catch her yet.”  Where have we come as a society that four teenagers will bully, threaten, and potentially physically assault another teen over a pair of boots?

The story behind the story is that the teen with the missing pair of boots, misplaced her boots or had them stolen the day before during a high school basketball game.   She was cheerleading at the game and left her boots unattended in a room.  Her gang of four was some of her fellow cheerleaders, who formed a “posse” to retrieve the stolen valuables.

Instead of contacting our daughter one on one to discuss the boots, this victimized teen decided to take the law into her own hands, accuse the innocent, forcibly take private property, and presumably become a hero to her friends.  Wrong answer!

Right answer--- Get the facts first.  Don’t let your emotions, heated instigating conversations with friends, run you off a cliff.  Take your situation to the authorities in charge----administrators, security, coaches, etc. ---and let them take the appropriate action.

Administration, the athletic department, and security did get involved.  Why?  Because our daughter, who we are very proud of, reported the incident.   School officials were equally outraged and identified the perpetrators.  That’s right.  When you do illegal or stupid stuff, you receive a special label---perpetrators----or “Perps” as they are called on the TV shows.  It didn’t have to go down that way but it did.

School officials identified all members of the “gang” and interviewed them.  They were reprimanded by being placed on probation.  Any further incidents will invoke their suspension from school and their removal from the cheerleading squad.  Should the penalty have been harsher?  Do teens learn from their mistakes without consequences for their actions?  Upon review of all the facts, the school principal added one day of “in school suspension” as a consequence/reprimand.  Who is really responsible for disciplining these teens, their parents, school officials, or both?  Why do we now have to have written policies in place for every conceivable event in order to get people to treat one another with respect?

Fortunately our county school system put an anti-bullying policy in place in 2011.  Does your school system have one?  How do we teach anti-materialism?  When do we teach it? Where do we teach it?  Whether it’s Uggs or Air Jordans, our children must be taught that human life and safety far exceed the value or perceived preciousness of a pair of brand name shoes or jacket.

That teaching begins in the home, is reinforced in our schools and in our churches/temples/synagogues, needs to be reinforced in our neighborhoods and communities, and ends back in our homes.  That’s the full circle we must return to.  We had it in the 60s and 70s, began to lose it in the narcissistic 80s and 90s, and forgot it in the new millennium.   This is one case where reinventing the wheel is critical to our present and future.

Five days after this incident a teenage boy was shot to death in Washington, DC over a pair of $200 gym shoes.   Parents, please share this article with your teens and tweens.

*The Rev. Will Kenlaw, Father of Four Daughters and Pastor of New Birth AME Church and is the author of A Father’s Guide To Raising Daughters and A Father’s Guide To Raising Daughters: For Women (eBook version also available)

8. SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS AREA YPD TAKES A STAND AGAINST BULLYING   

We would love to share with the Connectional AME family the results of one of our recent Springfield (Massachusetts) Area YPD Meetings. As members began to brainstorm about possible contemporary issues for us to explore, the subject of raising attention to the issue of bullying in our communities was unanimously adopted!

To that end, we kicked off our first ever Springfield Area YPD Anti-Bullying Rally, with the theme of: “Don’t Hate, Celebrate.” Our youth guest speaker was none other than Sister Lavonne Greer, of Bethel New Haven AME Church. She delivered a soul-stirring message that compelled youth and adults alike to take a public pledge to fight against bullying in our schools, churches, homes and communities. We have included the press release of this event, for your inclusion.

Most recently, The Lord blessed us to be able to record and release our first Springfield Area YPD Anti-Bullying Public Service Announcement!

We are hopeful that as many AME members as possible would take the time to go on-line and click on the YouTube link below to see the Springfield Area PSA against bullying:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFcT1-9EB6s&sns=em

In 2012, we will be taking our message into various classrooms and youth groups throughout the Springfield and Boston Area-- encouraging young people to join us in our stand against bullying by taking our Anti Bully pledge. We are very excited about this new initiative and look forward to the work that God has planned for us as we take this stand.

We hope you enjoy our PSA and if you have any questions/thoughts/suggestions about our initiative please don't hesitate to contact us! We also welcome fellow YPD’ers in other areas to contact us if they are interested in duplicating and/or expanding such a venture.

Sister Crystal Glasscock-Stephens, Springfield Area Director

Brother Thomas Lytle, Springfield Area YPD President

Licentiate Tristan Salley, Advisor

The Rev. Dr. Carlita R. Baldwin, Advisor

View our Anti-Bullying PSA at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFcT1-9EB6s

Email: springfieldareaypd@yahoo.com

Visit and Friend us on Facebook: SpringfieldYPDAntiBullying        

Follow Us on Twitter: @YPDAntiBully

9. SPRINGFIELD AREA YPD “DON’T HATE, CELEBRATE” EVENT:

By Licentiate Tristan Salley, Bethel Bloomfield AME Church

The Springfield Area of the New England Conference Branch YPD joined together at Bethel AME Church in Bloomfield, Connecticut as the young people took a stand against bullying. Sister Lavonne Grier, an YPD’er from Bethel New Haven reminded the kids “I may be trapped in this place, but it does not mean I will be here forever” (using Luke 4:1-13 as the text). Her impactful message encouraged young people to stand up and remain true to who they are in Christ.

Following the short message, Rev. Carlita Baldwin, Associate Minister at Bethel Mission in Hartford and Advisor to the Springfield Area YPD Taskforce on Bullying, lead more than 40 YPD’ers in taking the pledge against bullying. Raquel Bagwell of Allen Chapel Hartford, CT and Laquita Woods of Bethel Springfield, MA highlighted the different forms of bullying that affect our youth.

The young people were treated to an interactive step show from the University of Hartford Step Team, led by YPDer Kirvana Jones of Bethel New Haven.  The precision and accuracy in their steps captivated the audience and were enjoyed by all.

Obstackle, a local rapper, delivered a positive song entitled “If I ruled the world” where he spoke about ending bullying and oppression.

The evening concluded with our newly elected District President Keith Coston Jr. sharing a personal testimony about bullying. The event was a major success, as the Springfield Area YPD continues to “Grow, Glow and Go for Christ.”

Sister Crystal Glasscock-Stephens, Director - Brother Thomas Lytle, President of the Springfield Area YPD

10. BULLYING IN THE WORSHIP-PLACE

*Mrs. J’Neese Jones

Bullying is a frequent topic of discussion lately.   When it happens to children we try to get them to “toughen-up” and assure them that it’s okay to tell someone about it.  At the same time we try to teach children that it’s wrong to taunt and tease at the expense of others’ feelings.   We have heard stories about adults who are exposed to abusive workplace bullying.  We counsel the victim, treat the resultant stress, explore sensitivity training for the offender and discuss the differences between tough management and blatant bullying.

For some reason we have ignored worship-place bullying, allowed it to go unchecked.  I’m talking about the bully-pastor who mistreats the congregation by making angry demands and veiled threats to the members.  

I heard about bullying pastors.  When a pastor is a bully, members dread assembling in the pastor’s presence. A bully pastor patronizes the members in meetings and treats them like children. If a bully pastor does not like a question, the bully pastor either snaps at the member or completely ignores the member. Bully pastors are untruthful and manipulative. The members of a bully pastor feel threatened, and feel they are being held hostage by their commitment to Christian service.

Bullying is not an acceptable behavior for anyone.  We realize that schoolyard bullying affects many aspects of a child’s life, and workplace bullying certainly increases stress and causes other issues for the employee, sometimes so severe that it can result in suicide or murder. 

It stands to reason that worship-place bullying can only bring about the same consequences, except that the real victim of such aggressive oppression is the church.

There is a domino-effect that occurs every time a congregant is bullied by a bully-pastor. 

The erosion of faith that accompanies a bullied congregation adversely affects its members’ commitment, which, in turn, reduces their will and desire to serve until finally the members give up and go away.  The end result can be the demise of a local church, not to mention bitter, beaten-down souls who have diminished spiritual hopes.

At some point we must sensitize our pastors and local church officers to the damaging consequences of such destructive behavior in the House of God. 

Bullying results in spirit-breaking, faith-killing, fear; and drives away the same folks they say they are trying to lead to Christ. 

Worship-place bullying must be recognized for what it is, and discouraged at all costs.  It stunts the growth of the church and ultimately poisons the body of Christ. 

*Mrs. J’Neese Jones and I am a member of Union Bethel AME Church in Houston, Texas. 

11. WOODFORD CHAPEL AME CHURCH HOSTS AREA IV CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NETWORK WORKSHOP:

*Mrs. Mary Ann Brame

On Saturday, January 28, 2012, Area IV Christian Education Network hosted its first workshop for the 2011-12 Conference Year at Woodfork Chapel AMEC in Shelbyville, Tennessee where the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Sydnor is the pastor.

The theme for the event was "Promoting Christian Growth: Through Christian Education." 

Dr. Daryl Ingram was the primary workshop presenter.  His major emphasis was the utilization of innovations and technologies in approach to Christian ministries.  We were challenged to be risk takers, be creative in our approach to teaching, and to implement relevant and appropriate programs for the present age.

The participants were encouraged to be interactive with the various entities in the local church and were also encouraged to utilize the team effort in the approach to instruction as a way to help members of the local church work toward a common goal.

The Area IV Christian Education Network Workshop was also honored to have a teaching team from Allen Chapel AME Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  The team consisted of Mrs. Lois Carr, Mrs. Margaret McKinley, and Mrs Anita Robinson. Their main focus was “The Celebration of the Christian Calendar.”  Their theme was, "Christian Education in Action." 

The main objectives of Christian Education is to implement strategies to train all members of the local church in Christian discipleship, Christian leadership, current instructional methodologies, the history and significance of the AME Church, God's biblical principles and social development, which should be applied to all aspects of daily living. 

The workshop participants were encouraged to be relevant, plan various activities and events that are appropriate to the seasons of the Christian Calendar.

The Area IV Christian Education Network workshop was an outstanding instructional experience.

*Mrs. Mary Ann Brame is the Christian Education Director for the Area IV Network. She is also the Director of Christian Education and a Trustee at Woodfork Chapel AME Church in Shelbyville and serves as the church musician.

12. PASTORS JAMAL BRYANT, MICHAEL BELL AND GRAINGER BROWNING HEADLINE REVIVAL SERIES AT METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH:

Three leading Washington-area ministers headline a Revival series when the men of Metropolitan AME Church host Men’s Season 2012. 

Dr.  Jamal-Harrison Bryant, pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore will preach on Wednesday, February 8; Dr. Michael Bell, pastor of Allen Chapel AME in the District of Columbia will preach on Thursday, February 9, and Dr. Grainger Browning, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Ft. Washington, Maryland will preach on Friday, February 10.  All services will begin at 7 p.m. 

The Revival Series and other events will be held at the newly-renovated sanctuary of the historic Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, 1518 M Street, NW, Washington, DC.  The events will celebrate Bishop Richard Allen’s exemplary qualities during two Sunday services,  three revival nights of rejuvenating praise, worship, and ministry, and a panel discussion-- all focused on the theme:  “Reclaiming Our Own for Kingdom Building, Unlocking the Keys for Success, Power and Service.”

The panel will feature Ernest Green, a member of the Little Rock Nine, DC Council Member-at-Large Vincent Orange, and Rodney Slater, former US Secretary of Transportation.  It will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. and will focus on the theme, “The 7 Keys for Success, Power and Service and Their Relevance to Election 2012.”

The men will serve free light meals before all events which are free and open to the public.  Free parking for the evening services and Saturday panel is available at the PMI Garage, located at 1615 M St. NW.

The Men’s Season 2012 coincides with the 252nd Birthday of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and concludes on Sunday, Feb. 12.  The Rev. Tony Lee, Senior Pastor, Community of Hope AME, Temple Hills, Maryland will preach at 7:45 a.m. 

Free parking is available for the Sunday services at the NEA Garage across the street from Metropolitan. 

All services and events will be webcast on the church’s website: www.metropolitanamec.org.  Further information is also available on the website.

13. AN HISTORIC COINCIDENCE:

January 30, 2012

Foreign Officer George Talbot, who has served in the Division of Foreign Affairs for the Government of Guyana for the past 18 years, has been appointed the Permanent Representative to the United Nations.  This position carries the status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.  Mr. Talbot is a graduate of the University of Guyana with distinction in French and Spanish and received the M.A. degree with distinction from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.  He is fluent in English, French and Spanish and is conversant in Portuguese.  He has varied experience in multilateral diplomacy and is the Director of Men’s Fellowship at the Restoration Temple of the Assembly of God in New York City.

As an historic coincidence, in 1971, almost 41 years ago, the Reverend Frederick Hilborn Talbot, then pastor of St. Peter’s A.M.E. Church in Georgetown, Guyana and a relative of the new Ambassador was appointed to the same position as Permanent Representative to the United Nations.  In 1972, he was elected and consecrated the 90^th bishop, retired from diplomatic service in 1980 and the episcopacy in 2004.

14. DR. KING’S BIRTHDAY COMMEMORATED WITH PRAYERS, TRIBUTES, AND SERVICE:

At Solomon Chapel AME Church in Cleveland, Mississippi, Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday was an extended weekend commemoration.  It began with a prayer breakfast sponsored by the Solomon Chapel’s Sons of Allen under the leadership of their president, Brother Benn E. Walker. Brother Walker, who also serves as the Greenville-Greenwood District SOA Coordinator, presided at the prayer breakfast. The featured speaker for the breakfast was former congressman The Honorable Ron Dellums of California who is also a former mayor of Oakland, CA.  Congressman Dellums spoke to those present about the importance of personal relationships and their impact on an individual’s life.  He shared his memories of hearing Dr. King speak as a young man and his meeting President Nelson Mandela in his later years.

Acknowledged at the prayer breakfast were the Rho Alpha Alpha and Upsilon Delta Delta chapters  of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated who have partnered with the SOA to help prepare high school students for pre-entrance admission exams required for college. Coach Tavares Johnson who has worked diligently with the SOA to help students make college a reality was given a resolution for his service.

Present for the breakfast were Presiding Elder of the Greenville-Greenwood District Rev. Archie Smith, North Mississippi Conference Sons of Allen President Rev. Michael Martin, the Rev. Larry Story pastor of St. Matthew AME Church and the Rev. John Arnold pastor of Ball Temple AME Church both in Greenville, Mississippi. State Senator Willie Simmons a member of Solomon Chapel hosted the breakfast at his restaurant and present also was Circuit Judge Johnny Walls a member of Ball Temple AME Church. North Mississippi Conference YPD President Ms. Bria Nix along with other youth, D’George Shoddie and Takiah Johnson rendered prayers for the nation, peace and for athletes.

In another act of commemoration, tributes to Dr. King were given through word and song as excerpts from his landmark speeches were read at a program sponsored by the Greenville-Greenwood District. Youth, lay, ministerial, Divine Nine Black Greek Letter Organizations, and elected officials all participated in this moving tribute that was held at St. Matthew AME Church. Excerpts were taken from the book “A Call to Conscience” by Clayborne Carson and Kris Shepard.

Chi Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated partnered with the feeding ministry of Solomon Chapel for a day of service. Sisters of AKA, of which the pastor of Solomon Chapel is a member, have partnered with the feeding ministry to address their Global Poverty initiative. 

With all of this going on, it was a busy weekend to say the least; but one that was most fulfilling as “The Dreamer”, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was commemorated in the Eighth Episcopal District where Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry is the Presiding Prelate.

Submitted by the Rev. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D., Pastor

15. THE REV. NOAH SMITH’S 104^TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:

By Charles Hallman

St. Paul-Minneapolis District Reporter

The Rev. Noah Smith simply told the members of the Wayman AME’s regular Wednesday night Bible study on his 104^th birthday January 18^th  that he doesn’t know why God has had him live this long.

   

“I give God the glory and credit for my life,” he quickly admits.  “He used me and still uses me.”

    

The Rev. Smith was born in 1908, and spent his youth during one World War; graduated from high school two years before the Great Depression began; saw the end of Jim Crow and legal segregation, and the election and first term of the first Black president of the United States. 

    

During his 32-year career as a railroad dining car waiter (1941-1973), Smith accepted the call to ministry as an evangelist in 1954 at St. Peter’s AME, Minneapolis, and was ordained an iterant elder in 1960.   He twice was appointed pastor at St. Mark’s AME, Duluth (1972-1973; 1986-87) and St. James, Minneapolis (1988-1998), where he officially retired.  In between, Smith became the oldest graduate at Macalister College in St. Paul in 1986, and earned his masters of divinity degree from United Theological Seminary in 1989.

    

Smith also served at two AME churches for three years after he and his wife moved to Memphis, Tennessee.  When he returned to Minneapolis, Smith joined the Wayman ministerial staff, where he regularly preaches and teaches a weekly men’s Bible study.

  

 “I don’t know how someone who would start preaching at 65 years old and kept on for 50 more years,” asked Rev. Bill Smith (no relation), pastor of Lily of the Valley AME, Eagan, Minnesota, who preached the celebratory sermon at Rev. Smith’s January 22 birthday celebration at Wayman AME, Minneapolis, where he is a member of the ministerial staff. 

    

“Rev. Smith has helped me immensely both as a mentor, in encouragement, and as a role model,” continues Rev. Smith, who recently earned his doctorate.   Before he delivered his sermon, he stepped down from the pulpit and gave a copy of his thesis to Rev. Smith.  “He has been an endless source of resources just by virtue of his own wisdom,” he says.

    

He is living proof that “age is nothing but a number,” says Gonzales of Rev. Smith.

  

“His name corresponds (with) Noah in the Bible – he saw many changes,” says St. Paul-Minneapolis District Presiding Elder Alphonse Reff of Rev. Smith.  “This Noah (also) has seen many changes and (has) been in many changes.”

   

After his ‘retirement,’ Smith taught for five years as an instructor at the Wayman Bible Institute.  “I was in his first class,” admits Rev. Michael Gonzales, pastor of Coppin AME, Fort Dodge, Iowa.  Smith taught him “not to flaunt what you know,” adds Gonzales.

    

Betty Webb, who was mistress of ceremonies, told the congregation and visitors, “Rev. Smith is a humble man whose steps are ordered by the Lord.”

   

“I’ve enjoyed Rev. Smith ever since I came into the ministry,” says Rev. Joe Baring, pastor of St. James AME, St. Paul.  “I asked one day, ‘You still go-go-go.’  He said, ‘I’ve been accustomed to work all of my life, and that’s what keeps me lively and healthy.’  I would love to sit down and pick his brain someday.”

    

“Rev. Smith is a great man and a great inspiration to all of us,” notes Reff, who also is pastor of Wayman.  “I’m just happy that he is able to be here on the ministerial staff.  He is a living example to all of us.  We hope that he sees many more (birthdays).”

   

“Just continuing to preach the Word at the age of 104 is just amazing,” local middle school assistant principal Vernon Rowe points out.  “I just hope when I turn 45, which will be this year, I could be half the man he’s been.  I still sit at his feet, getting knowledge and understanding how to be a better man, not only in my walk with Christ but also in my daily walk.”

    

“Rev. Smith has been an inspiration to me, to our church, to our young people and to the community,” noted Rev. Tracey Gibson of Wayman. 

     

“It’s unbelievable – I’ve never met anybody like him,” proclaimed 11-year-old Jada Stumon, who was one of five young persons who read timelines and milestones during the program that occurred during Rev. Smith’s life.   She also sang Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”

  

 “I felt really good paying tribute to him.  He’s just a great man,” says Stumon.

   

Before everyone proceeded downstairs to the church undercroft, where food and refreshments was served, Rev. Smith thanked everyone who spoke and gave him gifts.  “I just ask one simple prayer of God . . . for each of you to have one of the best years (ever) and God blesses you,” he surmised.  “Just have faith and believe what you hear about Jesus Christ and God.  Let God be supreme in your life and I hope you also reach 104.”

   

His wife Hallie echoed the same sentiment:  “I’m so happy to see the people show Rev. Smith the love and gratitude for all he has contributed all these years.”

  

“Don’t ask for a secret of my age – it is all in God’s hands,” concludes Rev. Smith.  “All I know that I am here, and every day He uses me.  I’m thankful for that, and I appreciate the love, friendship and all the wishes of a happy birthday.  I thank all of you.”

16. MARGUIRETTE LEVERE IS A SLIGHT WOMAN 106 YEARS OLD, A MEMBER OF MOUNT ZION AME CHURCH IN LONG GREEN, MARYLAND:

Courtesy of the Powell Family

This profile is the second in a yearlong series titled The Root's Salute to Unsung Heroes, which will put a weekly spotlight on African Americans who have been recognized by the Corporation for National and Community Service as Drum Majors for Service. The inspiration for the honor is the spirit of community service that Martin Luther King Jr. described in his 1968 sermon "The Drum Major Instinct."

Marguirette Levere is a slight woman -- 5 feet tall, under 100 pounds -- who is known in her Maryland community as something of a selfless giant. Church missionary, community volunteer, dispenser of heartfelt advice, role model, fierce mother-protector, she has been a benevolent presence around the rural community of Long Green for longer than anyone can remember -- which is not an idle claim. Levere is 106 years old.

Levere's pastor at the Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Long Green, the Rev. Joan L. Wharton, sums up Levere's legendarily angelic force within her community in northern Baltimore County: "People want to live right when they get in her presence."

Levere, who has been designated by the White House as one of more than 1,000 recipients of the MLK Drum Major for Service Awards, has slowed down in recent years. She can no longer keep up the pace of volunteer service -- not like the days when she'd cook for neighbors when they were sick or round up their kids for play activities or just spread her "pearls of wisdom" (as Wharton describes them) to people with troubles.

She stays home a lot now. "I've been sitting down all day," she said one recent afternoon.

But one thing that keeps Levere alert and active is the care of her daughter Barbara. Folks who know Marguirette Levere know that Barbara, who has been a severely disabled cerebral palsy victim since she was born 77 years ago, has been her constant companion. Barbara cannot talk or walk without assistance.

"She's my little girl," Levere says. Caring for a severely disabled family member has never been considered her lifelong "burden" (one of her other daughters actually stumbles over the word, noting that "we were brought up not to think that way") but one of her daily tasks.

"The idea of 'putting her someplace,' that was out of the question," says Levere's daughter Joan Powell. "We weren't allowed to even talk like that."

Levere's children -- the six who are still alive -- remember the routine. Every morning Levere would get up at 5 o'clock and make breakfast for her husband, John, who ran a sodding business, raised livestock and worked at various times as a chauffeur.

Then Levere would attend to Barbara, bathing, dressing and grooming her. She devised a way of getting Barbara to the bathroom. "She'd walk behind Barbara, with her hands under Barbara's arms to hold her up," Powell says.

She also figured out a method to get Barbara downstairs. "She'd sit her at the top of the stairs, and then bump her down, one stair at a time," Powell says.

Before John Levere died in 1989, it was he who carried Barbara upstairs to her bedroom at night or, if there was a need to travel somewhere, carry her to the family car. After his death, other family members were brought in to help out.

Marguirette Levere prepared meals for the family, with a special plate for Barbara, which often included ground meat to avoid choking. Levere's family responsibilities didn't interfere with her church activities, including choir practice, preparing cooked foods for needy parishioners and working on planning committees. "One of us had to be there to take care of Barbara," Powell recalls. But Barbara was usually there for Sunday services.

Levere was always a featured speaker at the church's regular Friends and Family Days, when "people would come together and talk about the rich history within this community," Wharton says.

As the oldest member of the community, Levere carried the most history within her, including recalling in vivid terms neighbors who were former slaves. "Her talks were always about service," Wharton says. "They were about helping people. She'd say that, when you help somebody else, in turn you are helping yourself."

When Barbara got sick in 2005, requiring that a feeding tube be surgically implanted, the job of caring for her became tougher, especially having to navigate the stairs, Powell says. That's when Levere and Barbara moved to Powell's home, 20 minutes away in Sparks. "Every day [Marguirette] still tells me that she doesn't live here and she wants to go home," Powell says with a laugh.

But there are plenty of visitors. Levere's nine children have so far produced 33 grandchildren, 92 great-grandchildren and, at last count, 37 great-great-grandchildren. When the family put on a 100th-birthday party in a catering hall on the grounds of the nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, 250 people attended.

Levere is still in good health. She takes no medications, and she reads (including newspapers, biographies of President Obama and the Bible) without glasses.

Others, including Powell and her sister Julia Johnson, are now entrusted with the care of Barbara. But Marguirette Levere still combs Barbara's hair every day.

Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton, Pastor, Mt. Zion AME Church in Glen Arm, Maryland 21057

Article reprint permission given by The Root

17. AME PASTOR, THE REVEREND JARRETT BRITTON WASHINGTON, RELEASES NEW WEBSITE AND PUBLISHES FIRST BOOK:

AME Pastor, the Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE releases new website and Publishes first book.

Most recently, God blessed the Reverend Jarrett B. Washington with the vision to write and publish his first book, “Tell the Devil I’m Back.” 

In an era where it seems there are so many voices clambering and competing for the human spirit's attention; the still small voice of God rings clearly and directly to those who have ears to hear.  Tell the Devil I'm Back is a 30-day devotional skill book dedicated to men and women who not only desire a breakthrough, but believe God for their break-thru.  These simple yet profound daily thoughts give real life application and help build the "spiritual muscles" you need in your day-to-day life!

The Rev. Jarrett Britton Washington is confident this book can prove to be a blessing to you and the wonderful people of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  Please consider ordering your copy of “Tell the Devil I’m Back” today by visiting his website at WWW.JBRITTONWASHINGTON.COM .

*Reverend Jarrett Washington is the pastor of New Bethel AME Church; Edisto District--South Carolina Conference--7^th Episcopal District.  He is a graduate of Turner Theological Seminary and holds both the Master of Divinity Degree with a concentration in Homiletics and the Master of Arts in Christian Education.

18. NEWS FROM LEE’S CHAPEL AME CHURCH IN AUBURN, ALABAMA:

- Cancer Awareness

Last fall, Lee’s Chapel AME Church, accompanied by Dr. David Washington, Jr., our musician, attended a Cancer Awareness Program at Loachapoka Methodist Church in Loachapoka, Alabama.  Sister Cathy Wright, member of Lee’s Chapel, designed and made pink earrings and pink key chains for members of the church to wear to the program.  Sister Mary Collier, also a member of Lee’s Chapel, made pink ribbons and bows for us to wear,  

Sister Jackie Carter, another member of Lee’s Chapel, knitted caps and scarves in various colors, to be sent to surviving patients.  The patients requested these items so they can use them for head apparel, after chemotherapy, while their hair is growing back. 

The Rev. Mattie Edwards is the pastor of Lee Chapel AME Church in Auburn, Alabama

- 100 Men in Black Program

   

Lee’s Chapel AME presented “100 Men in Black” program on November 27, 2011.  Various male choruses from the surrounding area, performed several songs to uplift the name of Jesus.  The theme for the program, “Praise the Lord!  Sing to the Lord a new song.  Sing His praises in the assembly of the faithful.”  Psalm 149:1. Songs of praises from the various choruses, made us feel as if we were truly “Marching up the King’s Highway.”

-Youth Worship

On Christmas Day, December 25, 2011, Lee Chapel hosted two groups of teenagers from our Lee County Youth Development Centers.  Twenty-five to thirty teenagers, along with the staff, worshipped with us.  They really enjoyed themselves as they participated in the singing and the fellowshipping.  At least ten of them rededicated their lives to God!  This, in itself, was truly a blessing not only for them but for all of us who witnessed it.  Prior to the close of service, we presented the staff and students with a small gift to show our appreciation for their time and effort to worship with us.

A praise dance, directed by Sis. Jackie Carter was performed by members of the YPD.  This was their very first performance and we are looking forward to their second performance on February 12 during our Black History program.

“Consuming the Fire” program was held on January 8, 2012, which preceded our Spiritual Renewal Week.  Sister Evelyn R. Cobb, member, delivered the sermon.  The theme for the program was, “For the Lord Thy God is a Consuming Fire, Even a Jealous God.” –Deuteronomy 4:24.  Sister Cobb chose as her subject “Feel the Fire!-is it Religious or is it Romantic?”  She is also a published author who has written and published two books of poetry: “Find What’s Hidden Within” and “Memories of Love for My Father,” which have been released by Publish America Publishing Company. 

  

“Spiritual Renewal Week” was held January 9 – January 13, 2012 with the Rev. Miriam Harlan, pastor of St. John AME Church in Glenville, Alabama delivering the messages; powerful messages were delivered each night.  It was truly a spiritual renewal for all who came to worship with us during the week.

Sons Of Allen - The men of Lee Chapel joined the Sons of Allen by chartering it own Chapter on January 4, 2012. Our officers are Brother Duane Carter, President; Brother Darius Carter, Vice-President; Brother Alphonso Carter, Secretary; and Brother Frank Cobb, Treasurer. Brother Darius Carter is a 17-year-old junior attending Auburn High School in Auburn where he maintains a 3.48 grade point average.  He was awarded 3^rd place in academics at the Sons of Allen Annual Day held at the Person Chapel African Methodist Church, in Midway, Al on January 14, 2012. The Rev. Melvin Capers is the pastor.  Darius is a talented young man and encourages his peers as well as his younger siblings to do well in all that they do.  He participates in football, track and field. He is a Junior Steward, Sunday School Teacher and Worship Leader.  We look forward to our Youth of all ages following his example.

We at Lee’s Chapel are broadening our horizons and we are growing in so many ways.  It is our prayer that we will continue to excel and to continue to do the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Submitted by Sister Evelyn R. Cobb 

    

19. ATTORNEY GREG FRANCIS, LEADER OF THE LEGAL TEAM THAT WON AN AWARD OF $1.25 BILLION IN THE BLACK FARMERS SETTLEMENT:

Attorney Greg Francis, leader of the legal team that won an award of $1.25 billion in the Black Farmers Settlement is a member of St. Mark AME Church, Orlando, FL

The Reverend Terrence Gray, pastor of St. Mark AME Church in Orlando Florida said, “Attorney Greg Francis serves as a Trustee and is an active member of Saint Mark serves as Senior Pastor. He has distinguished himself as a servant of God through various charitable efforts within the Richmond Heights Community where he grew up. Attorney Francis has become a champion for revitalizing and empowering the spiritual & socioeconomic plight of Richmond Heights Community. It is his championing for the less-fortunate that propelled him to invest untold hours and energy to represent the Black Farmers.”  Attorney Greg Francis was the leader of the legal team that won award of $1.25 billion in a case known as the Black Farmers Settlement. The Settlement Makes Right a Longtime Wrong.

Attorney Greg Francis said, “Diligence and Pursuit were Key for $1.25 Billion Award.”

20. INTRODUCTION TO ZAMBIAN REFLECTIONS:

Dr. Paulette Coleman with the Assistance of Mr. William “Bill” Ayers

Zambia is a part of the 17th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church which now consists of Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Burundi. The official language of the countries comprising the 17th Episcopal District, excluding Zambia, is French. In Zambia, the official language is English, but Bemba and Nyanja are predominantly spoken.

Brother Bowa and his team worked hard to insure that we were exposed to a full Zambian and AME Church experience. We had challenging questions, observations, and dialogue during the Summit. From there we had an incredible cultural evening at Boma Cultural Center in Livingstone. We then traveled back to Lusaka where we visited Bethel AME Church and the Bethel Community School for Orphans and Vulnerable Children. Visiting Bethel Community School was a life-changing experience for me.

Of the things I saw and experienced during the Connectional Lay Organization’s Summit and observance of the Centennial Celebration in Livingstone and Lusaka, Zambia, December 6 – 12, 2011, four have had a profound and lasting effect. They stirred within my spirit the questions, how would God have me respond to things that tore at my heart strings, individually as an AME Christian and what would God have us to do as members of the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church after our experiences in Zambia? This report is an effort to share with you aspects of my recent Zambian experience and to share with you my individual and personal next steps. At the same time, I will suggest some corporate actions or next steps by the Connectional Lay Organization. The views reflected in this report only represent my perspective. I am certain other travelers will share their views and photos as time progresses.

Mr. Bill Ayers, the Co-Chair of the CLO 100 Committee was an invaluable asset in compiling this report. He provided incredible photographs, read the first draft and subsequent drafts of this report, and recommended additions to the content that made the report more comprehensive.

Thank you to President Glover and members of the Executive Board for doing something that is not always the norm and that is carrying out an initiative put forward and planted by a predecessor administration. We all learned much from the Zambian experience and look forward to future mission trips by the Connectional Lay Organization.

21. THE AME MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE OF MEMPHIS & VICINITY HELD A SERVICE FOR DR. CLEMENT FUGH:

God truly spoke to each of us and lifted us to new heights to view the fabric of our intertwined destinies from a mountain top perspective, as Pastor Walter Winstead Reid, Jr., The Recovery Movement/Clergy Chair, encouraged us to complete the sentence, "And The Winner Is..." at the fundraiser at New Tyler this past Sunday. The Rev. Dr. Clement W. Fugh, CIO for the AME Church and his beautiful wife, Sister Alexia, graciously received the Rev. Reid's soul-stirring message which was sealed by the "Laying on of hands." They, also, expressed their gratitude for funds of over $3,000.00 which were lovingly, sacrificially given and immediately transferred to Dr. Fugh for “The Recovery Movement.” Dr. Fugh responded, “We bless you for your attendance, love and support!”

The anointing in that sanctuary was high as Dr. Fugh decreed and declared their determination to run the final six months of this race as the winning couple that God has ordained them to be in this season of their life and ministry together of more than 36 years. Dr. Fugh is our recognized candidate for Episcopal Service - 2012 from the 13^th Episcopal District, under the prophetically anointed leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate and Supervisor Stan McKenzie.

"Thank You" to our dynamic West Tennessee Presiding Elders, the Rev. Linda F. Thomas Martin (South Memphis) Chair of “The Recovery Movement” and the Rev. Dr. C. Robert Finch (North Memphis). Many thanks to our awesome Worship Leader, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, the pastor of Saint Andrew AME Church, who ushered us into the presence of the Lord.

Thank you to every person who planned, participated, or prayed for the manifestation of God's Power for God's own Glory and the edification of God's Kingdom. Special thanks go to the Rev. I.W. Booker, past Alliance President for this vision; the Alliance members for continuing to “run with it” during internal transition; the Program Chair, the Rev. Darrell Scott, pastor of Wilson Chapel AME Church; and to all the Program Committee Members: the Rev. Dave Adams, Chair, Alliance Finance Committee and printed programs; Chaplains: the Rev. Barbara Green and the Rev. Eugene Brooks; Host Church, Choir and Musicians of New Tyler AME Church,  the Rev. Willie Woods, pastor; Sister Gwen Dillihunt, liaison and the Food Committee; Sister Dorothy Ealy, President of the Lay Organization; Sister Roxie Ball, the Recovery Movement / Lay Chair; and Brother Ray Rodgers, Videographer and Photography. 

The Rev. Agnes M. Henderson, Pastor, New Allen AME Church, AME Ministerial Alliance of Memphis and Vicinity, President

Submitted by the Rev. I. W. Booker, The AME Connection: "Connecting Ministry One Saint at a time."

22. T.D. JAKES SAYS HE HAS EMBRACED DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY:

Posted on Jan 27, 2012 | by Michael Foust

The Baptist Press reports that Bishop T. D. Jakes of the Potters House Church says he now embraces the Doctrine of the Trinity. 

AURORA, Ill. (BP) -- Bishop T.D. Jakes says he has moved away from a "Oneness" view of the Godhead to embrace an orthodox definition of the Trinity -- and that some in the Oneness Pentecostal movement now consider him a heretic.

Bishop T.D. Jakes, left, discusses the doctrine of the Trinity with James MacDonald (center) and Mark Driscoll. Photo courtesy Elephant Room II

Jakes -- long a controversial figure among evangelicals because of his past unwillingness to affirm the Trinity -- stated his belief Wednesday (Jan. 27) at the second-annual Elephant Room (theelephantroom.com), an event that brings together Christian figures from different backgrounds for what organizers call "conversations you never thought you'd hear." This year's Elephant Room was held at Harvest Bible Chapel in Illinois and was simulcast to other locations nationwide.

Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter's House in Dallas, was the focus of a motion at Southern Baptist Convention annual meetings in 2009 and 2010 by a messenger who wanted LifeWay Christian Stores to stop selling his books. One was ruled out of order by the SBC president, the other referred to LifeWay for study.

Jakes -- who once made the cover of Time magazine, which asked if he might be the next Billy Graham -- said he was saved in an Oneness Pentecostal church. Oneness Pentecostalism denies the Trinity and claims that instead of God being three persons, He is one person. In Oneness Pentecostalism, there is no distinction between the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. It is also called "Modalism," and it is embraced by the United Pentecostal Church International.

'I began to realize that there are some things that could be said about the Father that could not be said about the Son.'

-- T.D. Jakes

"I began to realize that there are some things that could be said about the Father that could not be said about the Son," Jakes said. "There are distinctives between the working of the Holy Spirit and the moving of the Holy Spirit, and the working of the redemptive work of Christ. I'm very comfortable with that."

The doctrine of the Trinity -- embraced by all three historical branches of Christianity -- holds that God is three persons, each person is distinct, each person is fully God, and that there is one God.

23. HOW THE BLACK CHURCH MAY ADVANCE HEALTH AND WHOLENESS IN RESPONSE TO THIS HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC IN AFRICAN AMERICANS:

By the Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MDiv, MPH

The basis for the work of the Black Church in providing a successful plan for advancing health and wholeness in response to the pandemic of HIV/AIDS must address the five basic constructs of optimal health.  HIV/AIDS affects all aspects of life for not only the individual but the community itself, therefore requiring a holistic approach. Optimal Health is a holistic approach to total well-being and encompasses five basic constructs:  optimal spiritual health, optimal physical health, optimal emotional health, optimal intellectual health, and optimal socio-economic health. John T. Chissell M.D. in Pyramids of Power: An Ancient African Centered Approach to Optimal Health (Positive Perceptions Publications. 1993), that details the rationale, strategies and benefits of choosing this approach to promote health and prevent disease. Optimal Health is the greatest state of aliveness that an individual can achieve that will allow them to reach his or her highest potential and do their greatest good.

Optimal spiritual health requires that the community is a safe place where one can feel free to express concerns in a loving non-judgmental arena.  The church’s role is to offer a place for spiritual healing and each of us plays an important role.  A listening ear, an uplifting word, comments that empower one to exhibit healthy low-risk behavior are seemingly small things to do but are some of the most powerful. 

Optimal physical health requires honoring our bodies as temples of God.  Not only must we avoid behavior that places us at risk for transmitting or contracting the virus, we must remain in an overall state of optimal physical health.  We need to create non-judgmental atmospheres that encourage persons to take their medicine consistently, adhere to diet regimens and foster healthy lifestyles.

Optimal emotional health is next.  Stress affects T-cell counts.  T cells are those cells that act as protectors against infectious- and cancerous-causing agents.  Stress suppresses T-cells and the effectiveness of the immune system. Depression, anxiety and loneliness are examples of stress that increase levels of stress.   It is the role of the church to create an atmosphere that fosters optimal emotional health.  A safe place for counseling for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS is one such way to advance health and wholeness.  If the local church is not capable of providing this service, it should offer referral services and resource distribution.

Optimal intellectual health.  Knowledge is power. Efforts to provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention education and community-level training for faith-leaders are essential.  Using a core instructional curriculum and community-level training modules easily adapted and modified to meet the needs of diverse faith traditions; promoting leadership and support for HIV prevention among faith leaders serving disproportionately affected African-American populations, and engaging faith leaders in identifying ways to provide effective HIV/AIDS prevention information and services to populations within their congregations and outreach ministries can help to achieve the necessary education and training.

Finally, optimal socio-economic health must be identified if HIV/AIDS is to be addressed fully. There is a close link between optimal socio-economic health and policy and interventions.

The Black Church must become involved in economic and educational empowerment classes and create an atmosphere that promotes this.  Educational achievement is directly tied to economics and the resultant social and physical environment in which one finds ones’ self.  The Black Church must also be engaged in ending gang and domestic violence, in creating neighborhoods that are safe for all especially our youth, in empowering our youth to believe that they are Children of God – princes and princesses with all of the potential that implies.

Overall each congregation must find its niche, its way that it can provide leadership in the local community for ending this crisis.  Knowledge is first, dispelling myths is second, and empowering is third.  The seven essential components to the response by the Black Church are:

• Hearing and Healing

• Gaining knowledge

• Developing steps to encourage dialogue

• De-stigmatizing

• Collaborating for services

• Developing support groups for those infected and affected

• Developing resource rooms and/or areas

This does not limit the response by any means, but provides a framework for action.  Each congregation, each individual has been given gifts, and talents that should be used to address this pandemic.  Find yours and then act.

24. THE YPD AT ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, LEXINGTON WILL BE SPONSORING THEIR ANNUAL CHILLI COOK-OFF:

The YPD at St. Paul AME Church, Lexington will be sponsoring their Annual Chili Cook-off on Sunday, February 5^th for the “Souper Bowl of Caring.” All proceeds from the event will be donated to UNICEF, United Nations Children's Fund. 

Participants can submit their favorite chili to participate in our friendly competition. Keep in mind that Rev. Troy Thomas is our reigning champion, if chili isn't your best dish feel free to participate in the taste-testing. For only $3.00 you can taste a sample of each chili that was submitted. Based on your preference you can vote on whose chili is the best. The winner will be announced on Sunday, February 12^th and presented with a prize.

Individual bowls of chili will be for sale for only $5.00.

Submitted by Chanell Sullivan

25. AN OPEN LETTER TO NEWT GINGRICH FROM THE PASTORS OF POOR CHILDREN:

Posted: 01/22/2012 9:19 am

Mr. Gingrich,

For this you still owe our children an apology:

"Some of the things they could do is work in a library, work in the front office, some of them frankly could be janitorial; what if they clean up the bathrooms, what if they mopped the floors, what if in the summer they repainted the school; what if in the process they were actually learning to work, learning to earn money; if they had their own money, they didn't have to become a pimp or a prostitute or a drug dealer. [If] they had the dignity of work and learned how to be around adults who actually wanted to mentor them and help them. This is not a casual comment... It grows out of a lot of thinking over many years of trying to figure out how we break out people trapped in poverty who have no work habits." -- Gingrich

We, the students and faculty of the Delaware Annual Conference Ministerial Institute of the AME Church, representing over 34 congregations and their constituents throughout Delaware and southern Pennsylvania are outraged at your continued demeaning of poor children and their families.

As a candidate vying for the Republican Presidential nomination, to suggest that poor children collectively lack a work ethic and drive for legal and productive work is entirely classist. Your national platform is no place for such irresponsible remarks. Our children deserve better than your degrading rhetoric.

In fact, they deserve an apology, and we -- their pastors and advocates -- demand one.

Mr. Gingrich, what your remarks have demonstrated is a failure to acknowledge the resilience of many who work daily and yet are unable to escape poverty. For many, low wages, a poor economy, and sparse full time employment opportunities have landed many families into the category of what the U.S. Department of Labor & Labor Statistics call the working poor. Contrary to what your remarks propagate, a significant number of children in households below the American poverty line (and those one paycheck away from it) are in homes with working family members; many of them are in our congregations weekly and are active citizens.

Mr. Gingrich, not only did you get the "cause" of poverty wrong, but your "solution" is just as unsubstantiated and offensive. Mandating that poor children become the janitors of their own failing public schools to better their work ethic is not a well thought out, viable, or realistic solution. Such a proposal is not only insulting, it is ridiculous.

Where would the currently employed janitors work (obviously this is a back handed assault on union employees)? If poor children are to benefit from extracurricular employment, why not at least provide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) opportunities to increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace? Why not invest in education reform instead of cutting back early education/head start programs? Why not put forth solutions to the unemployment crisis in our nation, so that those who have the dignity, but not the work, can have an opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their children?

But, no -- instead you fan the flames of prejudice to get votes. With a move right out of Lee Atwater's Southern Strategy play book (i.e., "Welfare Mothers" = Lazy Blacks), you have managed to stir the xenophobia and racist fears of your far right republican base with the statement:

"I've been talking about the importance of work, particularly as it relates to people who are in areas where there is public housing, et cetera, where there are relatively few people that go to work." (Emphasis added)

Mr. Gingrich, the poverty of many poor minority children is the byproduct of systemic injustices that bar them from participation in the American Dream because of their racial and social location -- not laziness.

We understand that you are of the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" camp, but the last time we checked Mr. Gingrich, it is impossible to pull yourself up by your own boot straps, and even more difficult when you have no boots to begin with.

Consequently, as pastors and leaders of the poor and their children, we are called to champion those without the boots of opportunity, fair play, and justice. For us not to mandate an apology for such biased, erroneous and offensive remarks would be as irresponsible as the remarks themselves. Today, Mr. Gingrich, we extend to you the opportunity to recant your "war on poor children" rhetoric and the opportunity to apologize to our children for speaking such falsehoods over their lives.

Awaiting your response,

Delaware Annual Conference Ministerial Institute

The Rev. Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant, Dean of Ministerial Institute

The Rev. Silvester S. Beaman, Chairman of Board of Examiners

Sister Joi Orr, M.Div, Organizer & Institute Student

26. KENNETH LOVE APPOINTED HAMILTON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

The Rev. Kenneth D. Love, Sr. has been appointed executive director for the Hamilton County Democratic Party, HCDP Chairman Paul Smith announced Tuesday.

“We are proud to have recruited of a man of his ability to lead the party in this election year 2012,” said Chairman Smith. “He is a man of great integrity and ability and training. In addition, he is a great communicator, a wonderful speaker and understands we have to reach out to citizens of Hamilton County.”

The Rev. Love will not only advise on and help to implement the technological updates HCDP will require in its election efforts, but will also consult on outreach efforts.

The Rev. Love served in the U.S. Air Force from 1984-1991, both stateside and overseas and was discharged with honorable distinction. Completing his undergraduate studies in computer science, he graduated summa cum laude from DeVry University in 1994. He has served communities in a variety of positions, including assistant instructor of computer languages at Chattanooga State Community Technical College and computer analyst for Unum Provident, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Humana, and Heartland Payment Systems.

The Rev. Love was appointed to serve as senior pastor of Chattanooga’s St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in November of 2010. He has been married for 28 years to Donna S. Grant-Love, has two children, Keniya and Kenneth II, and two grandchildren, Elijah and Joshua Lee.

“I am honored by this appointment, and look forward to assisting the Hamilton County Democratic Party in multiple ways as we move forward into a crucial election year,” Rev. Love said.

The Rev. Kenneth D. Love, Sr.

27. THE REV. BEN SANDERFUR PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF EXHIBITS FABRICATIONS AND OPERATIONS:

The Rev. Ben Sanderfur, Supply Pastor for The Liberty Circuit, Pulaski, Tennessee was recently promoted to Director of Exhibits, Fabrications and Operations in the Tennessee State Museum.

The Rev. Ben Sanderfur is in the 4^th Year Studies under the Board of Examiner's in the 13^th District - East Tennessee.

He has been a Facilities Administrator for the Department of General Services for 10 years for the State of Tennessee. On December 16, 2011 and was promoted to Director of Exhibits Fabrications and Operations in the Tennessee State Museum.

The Liberty Circuit received a grant at the last Annual Conference from the 13^th Episcopal District’s Believe, Inc. for improvements to both churches.

28. BASKETBALL STAR RONAL NORED NAMED LOWE'S SENIOR CLASS AWARD FINALIST FOR 2011-12 LOWE’S SENIOR CLASS AWARD: 

Please click on the link and vote for Ronald Nored!

You have an opportunity to vote - Grandmother Delores Kennedy-Williams asks, “Please vote DAILY for Ronald Nored!”

Nored Named Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Finalist Release Horizon League · January 25, 2012

January 25, 2012

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Butler senior co-captain Ronald Nored (Homewood, Alabama/Homewood) has been announced as one of ten finalists for the 2011-12 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award aims to recognize senior student-athletes who have shown excellence in four areas—community, classroom, character and competition.

Nored, who ranks third on Butler's all-time list for steals, is one of two current Butler players to have played in both the 2010 and 2011 Final Fours. The Homewood, Ala. native currently stands fifth on Butler's all-time assist chart (407) and is just the fifth player in school history to record 400 career assists.

Nored is an Early/Middle Childhood Education major and is currently student teaching in the Indianapolis area. Alongside student teaching, Nored has been involved in community service both on and off the Butler campus.

Ronald is the son of the late Reverend Ronald E. Nored, Sr, and Linda Williams Nored, Esq. The Reverend Nored pastored Bethel AME Church in Ensley, Alabama until his death in 2003.

Voting for the award begins immediately and ends March 18 with the winner being announced during the 2012 NCAA Men's Final Four® in New Orleans. Fans are encouraged to vote on either the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award website or the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Facebook fan page.

It is the second straight year a Bulldog has been named a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Last season, senior Matt Howard was chosen as a finalist en route to Butler's national runner-up finish.

Men's Basketball Finalists

William Buford, Guard, Ohio State

Ashton Gibbs, Guard, Pittsburgh

Draymond Green, Forward, Michigan State

Mick Hedgepeth, Forward, Belmont

Robbie Hummel, Forward, Purdue

Quinn McDowell, Forward, William and Mary

Ronald Nored, Guard, Butler

Zack Novak, Guard/Forward, Michigan

Zack Rosen, Guard, Pennsylvania

Tyler Zeller, Forward, North Carolina

Many of you have asked how to vote. Please go to http://www.seniorclassaward.com/mensbasketball/

Click on vote now (I think it is to the right) vote for Ronald Nored. Please, please vote each day until March 18.

Submitted by Mrs. Delores Kennedy-Williams, Proud Grand mommy

29. THE 105 HBCUS CHOIR SURPRISED AND INSPIRED:

By Brother Gregory Taylor

The 105 HBCUs Choir was outstanding and the wisdom stories and songs of Dr. Shirley Caesar were intriguing. Wynonna Judd sang the song, "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Jeno Vannelli. I listen to this song a lot while I was at Selma University and at Virginia Union School of Theology.

Jeno Vannelli sung about living inside of yourself, which I've felt I was actually doing. "I Want to Know What Love Is" was Wynonna Judd last song of the night, which I really was able to reflect on.

The first song I could really relate to was by Leah U. Hawkins "I Know I've been Changed." This is something that I know that the Spirit has changed my heart. Wynonna last song was, "How Great Thou Art." This is one of my favorite worship hymns. She sang this song “in the Spirit.” The hymn was written by Carl Gustaf Boberg a Swedish pastor, editor, and member of the Swedish Parliament. Mr. Boberg was enjoying a nice walk and a thunderstorm suddenly; severe winds began to suddenly blow. After the storm was over, he looked out over the clear bay and heard a church bell in a distance; and the word of “How Great thou Art” begin to form in his heart – “O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands hath made...”

      

While working as one of the outreach persons of the 105 HBCU Choir, I discovered that Wynonna Judd's family pastor in Ashland, Kentucky is the Rev. Harold Moore, a former Platter and Drifter, known for the song, "Under the Board Walk."

The 105 HBCUs Choir surprised and inspired me. I actually had thoughts of not attending, but I am glad I attended because I saw so much potential in the HBCU Choir and heard about the positive things they are doing to show the importance of HBCUs.

My love for HBCUs started when I would hear the late Dr. O. S. Harvey say, “The day will come when Black folks in Alabama will need that school (Selma University) like never before

At SU, I used to lie in bed at night and thank the Lord for the forefathers and foremothers who realize the need for Selma University. It was my only choice to continue my education.

This is a great time for HBCU Choirs and HBCUs with a singing President supporting them.

30. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION SPONSORS FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON:

“Spring into Fashions”, a Fashionable Chic Affair, presented at Second African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, at 5500 South Hoover Street, Los Angeles, California.   A Fashion Show and Luncheon is being held on Saturday, February 18, 2012, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. 

The Laity of the Southern California Conference, which includes more than 60 African Methodist Episcopal Churches, is celebrating an afternoon of Fashions, Grand Entertainment, and Designs.

Winter Furs and Sultry Spring dernier will be styled by members of the Conference Laity.   Entertainment will feature   Ms. Patsy Herron accompanied by Mr. David Bell on piano.

Tickets can be obtained from Local Presidents of each Conference Lay Organization.  A $25.00 donation for adults and a $15.00 donation for children under 12 years old are being requested.

A selection of African American vendors will sell their custom made items in the lobby prior to the doors opening.    

31. THE 2^nd EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AND VENUES:

Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate

Dr. Connie Speights Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor

The 196^th Session of the Baltimore Conference     

Date: Tuesday, April 10 - Saturday, April 14                                 

Host Church: Empowerment Temple AMEC, Baltimore, MD     

Host Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant

Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Cordell E. Hunter

Associate Presiding Elder: The Rev. Ernest Lee Montague

                                               

The 62^nd Session of the Washington Conference                                                      

Date: Tuesday, April 24 – Saturday, April 28

Hosting by: The Washington Conference

Conference Site: Reid Temple AMEC, Glenn Dale, MD

Host Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington

Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Goodwin Douglas

Associate Presiding Elder: The Rev. Dr. Louis Charles Harvey

The 146^th Session of the Virginia Conference     

Date: Tuesday, May 08- Saturday, May 12

Host Church: St. Paul AMEC, Newport News, VA                           

Host Pastor: The Rev. Donald White

Host Church: Bethel AMEC, Hampton, VA                           

Host Pastor: The Rev. Andre’ Pierre Jefferson

Conference Site: Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 740 Town Center Drive, Newport News, VA

Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. James P. Beatty

Associate Presiding Elder: The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris

The 143rd Session of the North Carolina Conference

Date: Tuesday May 15, - Saturday May 19

Host Church: St. Luke AMEC, Fayetteville, NC        

Host Pastor: The Rev. David L. Morrison, Sr.

Conference Site: The Hotel Bordeaux and Convention Center, 1707 Owen Drive, Fayetteville, NC

Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Evelyn Gail Dunn

Associate Presiding Elder: The Rev. Larry Stanwyck Hinton

The 119^th Session of the Western North Carolina Conference      Date: Tuesday, May 29 - Saturday, June 02

Co-Host Church: St. Paul AMEC, Raleigh

Co-Host Pastor: The Rev. Gregory L. Edmond

Co-Host Church: St. Joseph AMEC, Durham

Co-Host Pastor: The Rev. Philip R. Cousin, Jr.

Conference Site: North Raleigh Hilton Hotel/Midtown Conference Center, 3415 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC         

Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Jasper Bernard Wilder

Associate Presiding Elder: The Rev. Dr. Conrad K. Pridgen

32. MID-WEEK MEDITATION - BASED ON ISAIAH 42:1-9:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I did a bit of house cleaning this week and ran across a formerly prized possession that I hadn’t seen in years - my old word processor.  For those unfamiliar with that now outdated technological tool, a word processor was essentially a “smart typewriter” with a small screen display that enabled me to do what I now do in Word or WordPerfect and to save my work on “floppy disks,” which are now also outdated technology. 

My word processor was convenient and useful, but it also made me resist trying newer technology.  I initially saw no need to pay what was then “big” money for a computer, monitor and printer when I could do what was needed on my compact word processor. 

When I finally gave in, bought a computer and found out how many other things I could easily accomplish, I packed my word processor away and forgot about it until I found it today and took it to the local recycling center.  I unwittingly passed up convenience and easier work because I settled for what I had and didn’t know what I was missing.

What applied to the path that made me a computer user also applies to the path that many of us choose in life.  The Lord Jesus presents us with new possibilities for personal and spiritual growth, well-being and peace of mind each day, but we often pass them up.  Human nature makes us hesitant about what’s new and unknown and leads us to cling to what’s comfortable and familiar.  We often settle for just getting by because we convince ourselves that doing “business as usual” meets our needs.

When we abandon our human hesitation and move from proclaiming our faith to exercising our faith, Christ will broaden our horizons, illuminate new pathways and possibilities in our lives and give us new hope, new direction, new confidence and new joy.

Exercise your faith, prayerfully seek God’s will for your life each day and let the Lord Jesus Christ lead you through new doors where new blessings are simply waiting for you to claim them.  When you take the risk and walk with Jesus down new pathways, you’ll find out that the same thing is true in your daily life that I found out when I moved from the word processor to the computer - you’ll realize that didn’t know what you were missing.

Get Ready for Sunday!

If you are in Charleston, South Carolina, join us for Worship and Holy Communion at 7:45 am and 11 am on the First Sunday in February.  The Eight O’clock Choir will offer praise at 7:45 am and the Combined Choir, Gospel Choir and Morris Brown Mass Choir will offer praise at 11 am.

Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:

Deuteronomy 1:1-8

Philippians 3:1-11

Luke 5:27-39

Sunday’s Sermons are: 

7:45 am - “Move On and Be Blessed”

11 am – “March On to New Blessings”

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

CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Please keep Rev. Wesley I. Reid and his family in your prayers. Clyde E. Reid died on Saturday in Chattanooga, TN. When Clyde was born doctors told the Rev. Reid's parents that he would not live to be an adult. Clyde, "the miracle brother", died at age 70. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.

Services for Mr. Clyde E. Reid:

Family Hour 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Thursday February 2, 2012

Funeral Services

Friday February 3, 20212

1:00 PM

Bethel AME Church

2000 Walker Street

Chattanooga, TN

423.622.1261

Expressions of Love may be sent to:

The Rev. Wesley I. & Mrs. Kathy Reid

1123 Brandon Road

Cleveland Heights, OH 44112

216.932.7036

Email condolences may be sent to: leememorialc@aol.com

And to:

The Family of Mr. Clyde E. Reid

1302 Dodson Avenue

Chattanooga, TN 37406

423.698.0624

John P. Franklin Funeral Home as been entrusted with the remains.

1101 Dodds Avenue

Chattanooga, TN

423.622.9995 / 423.622.9990 fax

CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of The Reverend Dr. I.F. Mitchell, Sr. on Monday, January 30, 2012. He is the father of The Reverend Isaac Floyd Mitchell II, pastor of Allen Temple, Hobe Sound, FL and the uncle of The Reverend Vincent F. Mitchell, Presiding Elder in the South Conference, North District of the 11th Episcopal District

The services are as follows:

The Family Visitation

St. Paul AME Church (Delray Beach)

Friday, February 10, 2012

6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.

The Reverend Latonya Floyd, Pastor

Ch Tel: (561) 242-0001

Ch Fax: (561) 272-5250

Celebration of Life and Witness

Payne Chapel (West Palm Beach)

Saturday, February 11, 2012

11:00 a.m.

The Reverend Milton Broomfield, Pastor

801 9^th  St

West Palm Beach, FL  33401-3617

Telephone: (561) 576-7501

FAX: (561) 832-7142

Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:

The Reverend Isaac Floyd Mitchell II, Ph. D and Family

2840 Cortez Lane

Delray Beach, FL 33445

Phone: (561) 278-8196

e-mail:  Ifmitchell@bellsouth.net

Services entrusted to:

Shulers Memorial Chapel-Delray Beach

606 West Atlantic Avenue

Delray Beach, FL 33444

Telephone: 561-265-0622

Fax: 561-265-2730

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