Bishop
Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
March – Women’s History Month
Easter Sunday – April 8, 2012
1. EDITORIAL –FOR PASTORS ONLY
– “BE CAREFUL!”:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The
20th Editor, The Christian
Recorder
This editorial is for pastors -
When
I was growing up and going out for an evening with my friends, my mother, with
all of the other advice, would often add, “Be careful.” Like a lot of teenagers
after hearing that warning time and again, I got a little resentful because my
mother added the statement, "Be careful” almost every time I went
out. Often my exasperated response was,
"Yes, Mother; I will.”
As
I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate the significance of her advice to
“be careful.” As our children were growing up, I gave the same caution to them
over and over again, to “be careful”; especially after they started driving.
And oftentimes their exasperated response to me was the same response I gave to
my mother, “Yes Dad, I will!”
Thinking
about it now, when I entered the ministry some of the old preachers gave me and
those who were entering the ministry with me the same caution that my mother
gave me.
Put a little differently, but it was
the same message
When
the old preachers gave advice or warnings about pastoral relationships, I and
my fellow ministerial candidates were cautioned to be careful in our
relationships with the opposite sex and to never get ourselves in the position
of letting our “good could be evil spoken of,” which I took that to mean that
we had to be diligent in ministerial relationships.
Even the most experienced pastors
Last
week a Nashville Tennessee television station reported that a leading pastor in
Nashville was being accused of sexual misconduct that happened during pastoral
counseling sessions. Each time the news
was updated on television, the details of the story seem to get worse with the
report that more women had come forward.
During
the Sunday worship service after the allegations surfaced, one television
station showed the pastor and his wife appearing before the church to deny any
wrongdoing.
The
case essentially boils down to, “the women said and the pastor says.” At some point, the facts will be sorted out.
Guilty or not guilty, this saga is a reminder to clergy that pastors have to “be
careful.”
The damage is done
I
was speaking with Dr. Johnny Barbour, Secretary-Treasurer of the AMEC Sunday
School Union and we both agreed that the sad thing about any case involving allegations
of sexual misconduct; whether the pastor or anyone accused of sexual
indiscretions is innocent or guilty; the damage is already done when
allegations are made. There will always
be those persons who will believe that the sexual indiscretion occurred.
A different world
The
world has changed a lot since I came into the ministry. In the “old school”
ministry, generally, pastors could move around from home to home; make pastoral
calls early in the morning, in the middle of the day, late at night and “the
old school” pastors did not have to worry about lawsuits.
“The
old school pastors” had to be careful about not letting their “good be evil
spoken of” and their biggest concern was rumors, and fending off gossip; not
lawsuits. Of course rumors could be damaging to a pastor’s ministry and pastors
had to “be careful.” The difference between “the old school” and the “new
school” is that in the “old days” rumors or gossip too a while to get “out
there.” Today, with technology, rumors
and gossip are instantaneous.
Steps can be taken
When
I served in the Army chaplaincy the issue of pastoral counseling and being
careful became an issue that the Army had to address. The decision was made
that chaplains and other counselors had to configure their offices so that
doors had windows and the office configured so people passing by could see the
chaplain or counselor, but not see the person or persons he or she was
counseling. The other option was that doors without windows had to remain
slightly ajar and persons walking by could see the chaplain or counselor, but
not the person or persons being counseled. Those changes were inconvenient, but
they were necessary steps of being careful.
Most of us are not…
I
suspect that most clergy, and most AME clergy, and I can speak for myself, are
not qualified to be counselors in the full sense of the word, because the
couple of counseling courses we may have taken in seminary, in no way,
qualifies us to be family and marriage counselors. Professional counselors have
to be constantly updated, continued to be trained, certified and recertified.
Untrained
or undertrained pastors attempting to be do counseling in today’s litigious
environment are not being careful; they are opening themselves up to being sued
or having their ministry compromised.
The
most prudent thing for a pastor to do when confronted with the option of
counseling a couple or an individual is to refer them to a trained professional
counselor; unless the issue is about strictly spiritual or biblical. If a spiritual issue seems to be evolving
into personal issues, refer the individual or couple to a professional
counselor.
Counseling, done right, is a
fulltime gig
One
of the first things a counselor needs to know is he, himself or herself and to
know their own qualifications and limitations. Counseling is more than a
conversation.
Certified
counselors, to include marriage and family counselors, substance abuse
counselors and pastoral counselors have, as a minimum, a master's level degree
in counseling. And, after earning their academic degrees, counselors have to
apply for certification and licensure.
Academic
degree programs in counseling require, psychology, human development, sociology,
learning, and social change and students must develop the basic skills in
therapy and assessment and become familiar with the legal and clinical
considerations confronting practitioners. Students have to master the skills of
counseling. Academic courses include
family systems, foundation of marriage and family therapy, family therapy,
sexual counseling/therapy, life span development, psychopathology, research
design and statistics, ethics & mental health, courses in domestic
violence, counseling theory and methods and intensive supervised internships.
Be Careful
There
are some precautions that pastors need to take and signals they need to be
aware of when they consider counseling as an option:
Are
you qualified to be a counselor? Do you
have malpractice insurance if something goes wrong or someone accuses of
misconduct? Do you have the time to be a counselor? If you were taken to court would your
credentials stand up in the court of law?
The
counseling area needs to be conducive to counseling. Would you want to go into your doctor or your
lawyer’s office if it looked like your study / office? The counseling area
needs to look professional and to be an area that is conducive to counseling
sessions.
Is
the person or persons requesting counseling your friend(s) or family? If so,
you need to refer your friend(s) to an impartial counselor. As a protocol, counselors do not provide
counseling for their family and friends. Physicians, as a practice, do not provide
medical treatment for their family members.
Is
the person or persons requesting counseling on your staff? Do you supervise or
manage them? You should not comingle
counseling and supervision. If you are a supervisor or manager, refer that
person(s) to another counselor. As a
practice, counselors do not provide counseling for persons they supervise or
manage.
Be
wary of a potential counselee who wants to meet after-hours when other staff
members have gone home; or a counselee who wants to meet in his or her
home. Counseling is a professional
service and counselors should avoid restaurant, parking-lot, in-home, and
in-vehicle counseling. Counseling should be done in the area set aside for
counseling. It is also unwise to wind up counseling by taking the counselee to
dinner or driving them home.
If
you decide to consider counseling as an option and the potential counselee
greets you with a hug or “holy kiss,” refer that person to a professional
counselor. Intimacy and counseling are
not appropriate in the counseling setting, no matter how innocent the hug or
“holy kiss.”
If
a potential counselee reminds you of someone you liked or disliked, refer them
to a professional counselor. Counselors
need to be impartial. It can be very easy for a counselor to become enmeshed
with a counselee, especially if the counselee reminds the counselor of someone
he or she liked. The same is true for counselees who remind the counselor of
someone he or she disliked; don’t try to counsel them, no matter how fair you
might think you are.
Always
maintain a professional relationship with counselees. In some instances,
“Familiarity does breed contempt.”
Intimacy or the appearance of intimacy; or the perception of intimacy
has ruined ministerial careers.
Pastors
are in a Godly profession, but there are pitfalls and Satan is not dead. The
pitfalls are just as real for female clergy as well as male clergy.
Men
and women clergy need to be careful and as the old preachers use to tell the
young preachers, “Don’t let your good be evil spoken of!”
“Be
Careful!”
2.
READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: TCR News Break: Long-time AME member, Mr. Columbus Holmes
among the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
Honoring Unsung Heroes during Black History Month. See #3 below.
This is terrific news about Brother Holmes!
I'm proud to know the White House will honor him for his lifelong work and
dedication. Perhaps one day Mound Bayou, if they haven't done so already, will
have a Columbus Holmes Day.
Many Thanks for sharing this inspiring news.
Bill Dickens
-
To the Editor:
RE: TCR
Breaking News: Pastor of St. James AME
Church, Newark, New Jersey stands with Whigham Funeral Home's denial of release
of Whitney Houston photos to National Enquirer. See #5 below.
I never for one minute thought the funeral home
personnel were responsible for the photos.
Rev. Slaughter's article is right on point! Whitney Houston's death has become a three ring
circus for those persons that find pleasure in another person's misery; it
certainly does not exhibit any of the fruits of the spirit that we are to have
toward one another.
Ms. Barbara Ransom
-
To the Editor:
TCR Editorial – “Get Over it”
I just read your
editorial, "Get Over It" in the print edition of The Christian Recorder. Thank you for your boldness in
addressing an ongoing issue in our Zion. I am in my 32nd year
of ministry and still amazed at some of the attitudes toward women in
ministry. My daughter is an ordained elder and a chaplain in the
Navy. I am hopeful that she will be able to serve our Zion with fewer
barriers.
The Reverend Barrett
3. LONG-TIME AME MEMBER, MR. COLUMBUS HOLMES
AMONG PERSONS HONORED BY PRESIDENT
OBAMA:
Posted by on February 28, 2012 at 10:28 AM EST
Long-time AME
member, Mr. Columbus Holmes among the White House Office of Faith-based and
Neighborhood Partnerships Honoring Unsung Heroes during Black History Month
Please
access the link to view the blog and the video-clip: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/02/28/honoring-unsung-heroes-during-black-history-month
During Black History Month, we pause
to salute and reflect on the contributions African Americans have made to the
rich fabric that makes up the United States. There are many untold stories
that reveal the best of Americans who stepped up when duty called, broke color
barriers, or quietly made their communities better one person at a time.
In tribute, President Obama recently
invited six special senior citizens to visit the White House to honor as unsung
heroes. These unsung heroes are individuals who strengthen their
communities through extraordinary everyday acts of service done with
reliability and commitment, but who seldom receive recognition.
Among those who visited with
President Obama were pioneers in the struggle for racial equality, educators
who changed their communities through the classroom, and people who believe
that a lifetime serving others is a life well spent.
The honorees were:
Theodore Peters, one of the first African Americans
to enter the U.S. Marines and train at Montford Point, NC, after the corps
desegregation and a community leader in his South Side Chicago
neighborhood.
Gladys Reid, a
Cleveland, OH, volunteer who feeds the hungry twice a week and volunteers at
local hospitals, often caring for patients who are 20 years her junior.
Velma Lois Jones, the
first black classroom teacher elected to serve as president of the Tennessee
Education Association and a local leader in the areas of civil rights,
politics, community service, and education.
Columbus Preston Holmes, a former class valedictorian,
World War II veteran, postmaster, sports commissioner, Selective Service board
member, community leader, and active member of Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Mound Bayou, MS, since joining the church 84 years ago.
James “Alley Pat” Patrick, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen
during World War II, radio and television broadcaster, and Atlanta bail
bondsman who came to the aid of many jailed activists during the Civil Rights
movement, including Martin Luther King Jr.
Marguirette Levere, a church missionary, volunteer,
adviser, and role model to her rural Maryland community – roles she filled
while tending to daughter Barbara, who has cerebral palsy and has been severely
disabled since her birth 77 years ago. Remarkably, Marguirette doesn’t wear
glasses or take any medicines at the age of 106.
Stories of African Americans
like these honorees do not have a singular narrative, but most contain
common threads of resilience and perseverance. These Americans are shining
examples of a legacy that keeps our nation strong and makes our country great.
Learn more
about these amazing individuals: “Salute to Unsung Heroes” - http://www.theroot.com/views/features/roots-salute-unsung-heroes
Editor’s
Note: Mr. Columbus
Holmes of Mound Bayou, MS was one of the seniors featured in the White House
Black History Month tribute. Dr. Paulette Coleman said, “Mr. Columbus Holmes
is an active lay member of Bethel AME Church in Mound Bayou,
Mississippi. What a wonderful tribute.”
4. THE CELEBRATION
OF 50-YEARS IN ORDAINED MINISTRY FOR BISHOP T. LARRY KIRKLAND:
During the
5th Episcopal District Mid Year Conference in March 2012, the 5th
Episcopal District invites you to be a part of the celebration of 50-Years
in Ordained Ministry for Bishop T. Larry Kirkland.
The
celebration of thanksgiving will include an evening worship service and
reception during which the community, friends and family. The event will
be held on Wednesday, March 14th at the LAX Hilton Hotel in Los
Angeles.
Not only
will the 5th District join in the thanksgiving with Bishop Kirkland,
but our Bishop has encouraged each member to give thanks for each of their
ministries by wearing their ministry garb as we all thank God for every
ministry that we have been called to serve.
Bishop and
Mrs. Kirkland are prayerful that anyone whose life they have touched or whose
life has touched theirs will be a part of this celebration. The Fifth District
joins with our Episcopal leaders in that same hope!
5. PASTOR
OF ST. JAMES AME CHURCH, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY STANDS WITH WHIGHAM FUNERAL HOME’S
DENIAL OF RELEASE OF WHITNEY HOUSTON PHOTOS TO NATIONAL ENQUIRER:
TCR Editor’s Note: Appended
below is the press release that the
Rev. Ronald Slaughter read to the local and national news media this morning
(3/1/12). The press conference was held this morning at 9:30 a.m. at the
Whigham Funeral Home where the body of the late Whitney Houston was prepared
for burial. The Press Conference will air locally in New Jersey today. The
press conference will air nationally on the Inside Edition tomorrow
night. The Rev. Ronald Slaughter said, “Please keep the funeral home in prayer
as they deal with these senseless attacks...”
Statement of the Rev. Ronald Slaughter - Support
of Whigham Funeral Home - Thursday, March 1, 2012
I stand today with my colleagues
in expressing our confidence and support of the Whigham Funeral Home against
false and unsubstantiated rumors regarding photos of the late Whitney Houston
being provided to the National Enquirer and other news outlets. Ms.
Carolyn Whigham is a member of the St. James AME Church congregation, which I
serve as pastor. While I have been here almost a year, I have seen on numerous
occasions the professionalism and excellent care and service this establishment
has provided to families who have lost loved ones. Even more, I have heard from
colleagues, some of them here today about the professionalism, integrity and
confidence they have in the Whigham Funeral Home based on the numerous times
this funeral home has worked with them. And let’s be very clear, this is not
the first time the Whigham Funeral Home has had to handle arrangements for a
celebrity or person of note. This is because of the quality of service and
confidence which this funeral home has earned over many years.
It is unfair and expedient to cast
blame without one proof of evidence on the staff of the Whigham Funeral Home,
especially when there are those who know who arranged for the National Enquirer
to get this picture. Even in the justice system of our country, one is presumed
innocent until proven guilty. There are those who know with certainty
that it was not the Whigham Funeral Home. We call upon them to make it clear
that Whigham Funeral Home is not responsible, if they choose not to reveal who
did it, that is on them, but we repeat, there are those who know who arranged
for the National Enquirer to get the picture on the front page of the
tabloid. Think clearly for one minute, Whigham Funeral Home had the body
of Whitney Houston all week long and could have taken many photos and released
them before the funeral. They could have also taken a much better photo
than that from the hip position that is seen in the National Enquirer.
The Whigham Funeral Home has been
threatened, received vicious and hateful emails and other terrible acts, based
on these baseless rumors, but we want the citizens of Newark Metropolitan area
and beyond to know that the Whigham Funeral Home is not responsible and had no
role in this shameful betrayal. Whigham Funeral Home has had a long and
spotless record in this city and Essex County for many years; it is a
reputation they have justifiably earned. Carolyn Whigham and her staff went to
great length to provide care and security for the body of Whitney Houston, her
body was never left unguarded from the time it arrived in Newark. There was
nothing that could have been done, that Whigham Funeral Home did not do, to
protect the body of Whitney Houston and to meet the request and expectations of
the Houston Family. The Houston Family has not stated at any time that
Whigham Funeral Home was responsible for the release of the photo.
We stand with Carolyn Whigham and
the Whigham Funeral Home and call upon everyone to end the rumor and unfair
actions which have been directed at this funeral home which has served so many
so well for so many years. Although the Houston Family has stopped the
investigation, the funeral home will continue their own investigation which so
far, has narrowed the person responsible for the release of the photo to one
individual. That individual is not a part of the staff of Whigham Funeral
Home.
6. ANNOUNCING YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP SUMMER 2012:
We are once
again hosting a Young Adult Fellowship program for emerging professionals (age
22-40) who are interesting in deepening their work on eco-justice ministries.
The retreat will be held this summer at Port Isobel on the Chesapeake Bay. All
travel, food, and lodging expenses for participants will be covered.
For more
information on the fellowship and for application information, visit: http://nccecojustice.org/youngadults/
Deadline
for application: April 10, 2012
Please forward to anyone you think would be interested in applying.
Cassandra
Carmichael
Director, Washington
Office and Eco-Justice Programs
National
Council of Churches
110
Maryland Avenue, Suite 108
Washington,
DC 20002
Editor’s Note: Hope some young adults will apply.
7. THE REVEREND DR. DENNIS C.
DICKERSON WILL SPEAK AT THE WESLEYAN THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY AT TREVECCA NAZARENE
UNIVERSITY:
The
Reverend Dennis C. Dickerson, M.Div., Ph.D., Historiographer/Executive Director
of the Department of Research & Scholarship and the James M. Lawson, Jr.
Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, will speak at the Wesleyan
Theological Society on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Trevecca Nazarene University
in Nashville, Tennessee.
He is a
part of a panel on Race and Methodism. Also appearing on panel with Dr.
Dickerson are Dr. Morris Davis of Drew University, Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield,
Department of Christian Education in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church;
Dr. Jennifer L. Woodruff Tait of United Theological Seminary; and the
moderator, the Reverend Andrew J. Wood of United Theological Seminary.
Dr. Dickerson,
a well known Wesleyan scholar, most recently published African Methodism and
its Wesleyan Heritage (2009).
He is a
candidate for the episcopacy at the 2012 General Conference.
Remember
The Dickerson Difference!
What is sweeter
than honey? What is stronger than a lion? Judges 14:18 See www.dickersondifference.com
Hundreds of
civil rights leaders and activists will convene in Selma, Alabama this Sunday
to reenact the “Bloody Sunday” Bridge Crossing
**NAACP
Press Release
8.
NAACP PRESIDENT BENJAMIN JEALOUS TO PARTICIPATE IN “BLOODY SUNDAY” BRIDGE CROSSING REENACTMENT IN
SELMA, ALABAMA
Jealous, Labor Leader William Lucy and other Leaders
and Activists to March and Rally at the Historic Edmund Pettus Bridge
WHO:
Benjamin
Todd Jealous, NAACP President and CEO; William Lucy, Coalition of Black
Trade Unionists President and member of the NAACP National Board of Directors;
Bernard Simelton, NAACP Alabama State Conference President; and thousands of
civil rights leaders and activists.
WHAT:
Hundreds of
civil rights leaders and activists will convene in Selma, Alabama to reenact
the “Bloody Sunday” Bridge Crossing. Marches will cross then rally at the
foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where, in 1965, hundreds of activists were
attacked by police for their protests for voting rights. NAACP
President Jealous, CBTU President Lucy, and other civil, human, and labor
rights leaders are scheduled to make remarks.
WHERE:
Edmund
Pettus Bridge
Selma,
Alabama
WHEN:
Sunday,
March 4th
Pre-March
Rally Event @ 1:30pm
Edmund
Pettus Bridge Crossing @ 2:30pm
Rally &
Remarks at foot of Edmund Pettus Bridge @ 3:30pm
*President Jealous
and other NAACP officials will be available for interviews on this topic on
Sunday, March 4th and Monday, March 5th. To request an interview email: dturner@naacpnet.org
###
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest
and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States
and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities,
conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public
and private sectors
9. DR. GEORGE FLOWERS WILL JOIN A
100 MILES HUNGER CROP WALK IN BURBANK, CALIFORNIA:
Dr. George
Flowers will be joining a 100 miles Hunger Crop Walk starting in Burbank,
California with our partner, Church
World Service beginning Friday, March 9th (100 miles in 7 days). Dr. Flowers said, “I will only participate in
the first 25 miles walk and would like to invite AME congregations/pastors from
Los Angeles, Burbank and other area communities to join me and let's give
visibility to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Even if you can't walk
far...cheer us on! “
Hunger Crop
Walks are nothing new for CWS this time of the year when thousands of young
people joined by 27 communions/denominations.
Hunger is a real problem worldwide.
*Submitted
by Dr. George F. Flowers, Executive Director, Global Witness and Ministry
The African Methodist
Episcopal Church is a signatory
Dear Governor:
We
the undersigned faith organizations represent different traditions from across
the religious and political spectrum. Our organizations advocate for a criminal
justice system that brings healing for victims of crime, restoration for those
who commit crimes, and to maintain public safety.
We write in reference to a letter you recently received from Harley
Lappin, Chief Corrections Officer at Corrections Corporation of America (CCA),
announcing the Corrections Investment Initiative – the corporation’s plan to spend
up to $250 million buying prisons from state, local, and federal government
entities, and then managing the facilities. The letter from Mr. Lappin states
that CCA is only interested in buying prisons if the state selling the prison
agrees to pay CCA to operate the prison for 20 years – at minimum. Mr. Lappin
further notes that any prison to be sold must have at least 1,000 beds, and
that the state must agree to keep the prison at least 90% full during the
length of the contract.
The undersigned faith organizations urge you to decline this dangerous
and costly invitation.
CCA’s initiative would be costly to taxpayers in your state. CCA would
be buying not only a physical structure but a guarantee that your state will
fill a large prison and continuously pay the corporation taxpayer money to
operate the institution for at least two decades. Your state will incur
long-term costs associated with increasing incarceration rates, while CCA’s
profits will only continue to increase as well.
CCA’s initiative would be costly to the moral strength of your state.
The requirement to ensure that the prison remains 90% full for at least two
decades would pose a tremendous obstacle to more cost-effective criminal
justice policies. The United States imprisons far more people than any other
nation in the world. The millions of people who are directly impacted by this
explosive rate of incarceration included families and communities of the
incarcerated. Families and communities can be strengthened through
evidence-based alternatives to incarceration and reentry policies that quicken
the reintegration of those coming out of prison into their home communities.
The current incarceration rate has been spurred over the last four
decades by criminal laws that impose steep sentences. Mass incarceration
deprives record numbers of individuals of their liberty, disproportionately
affects people of color, and has not had the impact on public safety that
equals the financial and moral costs that are being paid. In addition, the
crippling cost of imprisoning increasing numbers of people burdens government
budgets with rising debt and only exacerbates the current fiscal crisis
confronting states across the nation.
Despite
the increasing costs to states and the nation as a whole that results from mass
incarceration, CCA continues to reap enormous profits. We believe the profits
CCA receives are not worth the costs paid by the states and by the people who
will be incarcerated and their families who will be impacted by the requirement
to keep prisons filled rather than the greater need for the criminal justice
system to truly be just and fair.
We
urge you to reject the initiative sent to you from CCA. Criminal justice
policies do not need to rely on the privatization of correctional services, but
rather, should be evidence-based policies and practices that are proven to
reduce recidivism and can lead to a reduction in the prison population. Mr.
Lappin’s proposal is an invitation to deepening state debt, increased costs to
people of color who are disproportionately impacted by mass incarceration as
well as their families and communities, and decreased public safety.
Sincerely,
African American Ministers in Action
African American Ministers Leadership Council
African Methodist Episcopal Church – Social Action Commission
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
American Friends Service Committee
Church of the Brethren
Disciples Home Missions-Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the
United States and Canada
Disciples Justice Action Network
Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, NY
Franciscan Action Network
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Healing Communities
Holy Family Institute
Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, USA – JPIC
Irish Apostolate USA
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
Mennonite Central Committee, U.S. Washington Office
Muslim Public Affairs Council
National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, OSF
NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Office of Peace and Justice, Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters
PICO National Network
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness
Social Justice Committee, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, KS
Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, NJ
The Episcopal Church
Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
United Church of Christ/Justice and Witness Ministries
United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society
*Submitted
by Mrs. Jacqueline Dupont Walker, Coordinator for the AMEC Social Action
Commission.
11. BELIEVE INC. HOSTS PLATINUM GOLD
TOURNAMENT AT OPRYLAND LINKS GOLF
COURSE:
Dr Phyllis
Qualls Brooks
Nashville, TN. The 2012 Platinum Golf Tournament sponsored by
Believe Inc. will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the PGA Course Gaylord
Spring Golf Links in Nashville, Tennessee. Believe Inc. is the philanthropic
arm of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
“This year’s tournament will be the capstone
of the four tournaments held every year since 2009,” said Bishop Vashti Murphy
McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th District. “The community has
supported in a magnificent way in the past. This has helped us to provide
nearly $200,000 to local churches to start or expand community service
endeavors,” she stated.
Funds from
the event will provide scholarships for students studying theology. Believe
also provides support for small and rural churches in Tennessee and Kentucky,
which make up the 13th Episcopal District.
Golfers may
sign up as a team of four or individuals and will be placed on a team. Tee time
is 7 a.m. Golf hole sponsorships are available to promote businesses or
organizations.
The
tournament is part of the four-year plan that opens the 49th
Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. The inaugural
tournament was held in 2009 and the Platinum competition completes the
four-year series.
“We have
built a strong following during the past three years, and this year we will
continue to have fun, fellowship and support a worthy cause,” said Joe Turner,
Chairman of the Believe Board and Chief Tournament Coordinator. “To ensure your spot in the tournament,
register now,” said Turner.
Last year’s
winners of the Gold Tournament were Dr. Darryl Ingram, Reverends George
Johnson, Jr. Leo Griffin and Raymond Bryant.
Second Place winners were, David Jackson, Chris Alexander, Danny White
and Josh Wilson.
For
information on the Platinum Tournament, visit the website at www.believe.org. Registration information and the Platinum
Tournament are also available online.
Contact Joe Turner at 615.957.5819.
12. SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Ms.
Marjorie Bias
During this
Black History Month, someone you should know……
Sister
Julie Hagwood is a long-time member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal
church in the North Chicago Suburb of Evanston, Illinois under the leadership
of Pastor H. Barnwell. She is a life member of the Missionary Society for which
she loves for over 45 years, a church missionary, volunteer, advisor, role
model, and evangelist.
She spends
her days visiting the sick and shut-in; transporting them to doctors’
appointments and hospital outpatient procedures. She delivers “meals on wheels”
and prepares home-cooked meals for the local battered/homeless women’s shelter.
Along with
all of the things she does, she teaches a weekly Bible class in a senior building,
does fundraising for Orchard Village which is an origination providing housing
and transportation for the physically challenged.
When asked
or needed, she has travelled to South and West Africa, Jamaica and Honduras on
missionary trips to spiritually feed and cloth the disenfranchised.
Along with
this, she cares for her son, Byron, who is and has been physically and mentally
challenged since birth. Her motto for living is unforeseen provisions!
13. THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT
AWARDS SEEKING PARTNERSHIPS:
--
April 15, 2012 Deadline --
Youth
Achievers USA Institute (YouthUSA), a national 501c3 Public Charity, seeks to
partner with local churches on a national economic security project.
The project
identifies local youth of the church as prospective “community assets” where
they live, learn, work and worship.
A
capacity-building process, established in 1996 as THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT
AWARDS, promotes faith principals (Proverbs 9:1, Matthew 6:33, Mark 9:23,
Hebrews 11:1) as American values.
The annual
deadline for The Annual Youth Achievement Awards is April 15. American
citizens age 7-24 qualify.
For
Details about The Annual Youth Achievement: www.YouthUSA.net
Click
Here to view Blog site:
http://blog.theenterprize.com/2012/02/why-christians-fear-liberation-theology.html
About
TheEnterpriZe blog site:
TheEnterpriZe blog site focuses on job creation under seven functional areas of
the AMEC Mission Statement. It is a structured LLC in incubation as a
replicable revenue-generating strategy of our independent 501c3 public charity.
April
15, 2012 Deadline
14. THE 8TH EPISCOPAL
DISTRICT DELEGATES AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO THE 49TH QUADRENNIAL
SESSION OF THE 2012 GENERAL CONFERENCE:
MINISTERIAL
DELEGATES
The Rev. Samuel H. Boyd, Sr.
(Delegation Leader)
The Rev. Joseph E. Young
The Rev. J. W. Hilton
The Rev. Birdon Mitchell, Jr.
The Rev. Denise Lane
The Rev. George Willis Tyler
The Rev. Andrew Stamps
The Rev. Artimise Clemons
The Rev. William Love
Alternate
Delegate (Ministerial)
The Rev. Jerry James (1st
Alternate)
The Rev. Carolyn Claiborne (2nd
Alternate)
The Rev. Anita Spencer (3rd
Alternate)
The Rev. E. Charles Cotton (4th
Alternate)
The Rev. Charles Bartley (5th
Alternate)
The Rev. Jerome E. Posey, Sr. (6th
Alternate)
The Rev. Lorenzo Neal (7th
Alternate)
The Rev. Donnell Allen (8th
Alternate)
The Rev. Willie Washington (9th
Alternate)
Lay Delegates
Dr. Alice Gill (Lay Delegation
Leader)
Stephanie Burks
Clementeen Youngblood
Oka Howard
Ouida Pittman
Sherry Pickens
Eloria James
Patricia Sterling
Lay Alternate
(Delegates)
Genora Newell (1st
Alternate)
Sadie Walls (2nd
Alternate)
Terri Micou-Smith (3rd
Alternate)
Genolia Houston (4th
Alternate)
Gwen Rogers (5th
Alternate)
Mildred Brown (6th
Alternate)
Leona Stallworth (7th
Alternate)
Christine McGilberry (8th
Alternate)
YOUTH DELEGATE
Samantha Walton
QUADRENNIAL
DELEGATES (NORTH MS)
MINISTERIAL
DELEGATES
The Rev. Glenell Lee-Pruitt (1st
Elected)
The Rev. John L. Moore, Jr.
The Rev. William Hardiman, Jr.
The Rev. Ray Jackson
The Rev. Moses Simms
The Rev. Archie Smith
The Rev. Larry Story
Alternate
Delegates (Ministerial)
The Rev. Jeffrey Williams (1st
Alternate)
The Rev. Walter Wilson
The Rev. Leoda Topps
The Rev. Horace McKay
The Rev. Michael Martin
The Rev. Johnny Johnson, Sr.
The Rev. Ruby Davidson
Lay Delegates
Johnny Dumas, Jr. (1st
Elected)
Arthurine Williams
Beatrice Peace
Eddie Charles Brown
Susan Burton
JoEtta McClain
Lay Alternate
Delegates
Connie Brothers (1st
Alternate)
Melvin Pitts
James Otis Watson
Lisa Weathers
Anita Fitzgerald
Mary Kenerson
YOUTH DELEGATE
April Lodge
YOUTH ALTERNATE
Jamarquis Amos
QUADRENNIAL
DELEGATES (LOUISIANA CONFERENCE)
MINISTERIAL
DELEGATES
The Rev. Otis Lewis (1st
Elected)
The Rev. Thomas B. Brown
The Rev. David J. Campbell, Jr.
The Rev. John K. Holiday
The Rev. Margaret Simms
The Rev. Lester Shaw
The Rev. Herman Kelly
The Rev. Mack Hurst
The Rev. Douglas Taylor
The Rev. Otto Duncan
The Rev. Carolyn Habersham
The Rev. Leona Fisher
Alternate
Delegate (Ministerial)
The Rev. Kerry James (1st
Elected)
The Rev. Herbert Spears
The Rev. Joe Chaney
The Rev. Cory Watts
The Rev. Troy Grimes
The Rev. John Perry
The Rev. Celestan Vaughn
Lay Delegates
Patricia Campbell – (1st
Elected)
Darlene Gordon
Brenda Taylor
Yvette Gordon
John Autry
Douglas Cyprian
Carolyn Gibson
Rhea Hollins
Sylvia McCray
Shelia Robinson
Larry Johnson
QUADRENNIAL
DELEGATES (LOUISIANA CONFERENCE)
Lay Alternate
(Delegates)
Allen Williams, Sr.
Quincy Walker
Earline Blackmore
Matthew Pitts
Mable Davis
Crystal Tate
Alise Ware
Rodney Brown
Laurene B. McMillan
YOUTH DELEGATE
Leslie Carter
YOUTH ALTERNATE
Dewayne Dyson
QUADRENNIAL
DELEGATES (CENTRAL NORTH LOUISIANA) CONFERENCE:
MINISTERIAL
DELEGATES
The Rev. Michele Goodloe (1st
Elected)
The Rev. Demetrese Phillips
The Rev. Lloyd Washington
The Rev. Richard Starks
The Rev. Maurice Wright
The Rev. Sylvester Marshall
The Rev. Nettie Ranel
Alternate
Delegate (Ministerial)
The Rev. Anthony Mills
The Rev. Kecia Lewis
The Rev. Regina Robinson
The Rev. Gwendolyn Snearl
The Rev. Richelle Castine
The Rev. Jiovonte’ Watkins
The Rev. Lydell Scott
Lay Delegates
Elna Huel – (1st
Elected)
Virginia Lampkins
Martha Boone
Raymond Morrison
Delphine Bridgewater
Robin Tyson
Lay Alternate
(Delegates)
Ben Johnson – (1st
Alternate)
Rhalanda Jackson
Martisa Henderson
John Armstead
Ton Brady
Latrecia Campbell
YOUTH DELEGATE
Ritney Castine
YOUTH ALTERNATE
Raven Porter
LAY PRESIDENT
Melvin
Davis
Bonner
Campbell – Administrator of the School – Dr. Shirley Hopkins-Davis
Bonner
Campbell – Dean of the Seminary – Dr. Leoda Topps
15. THE
HUMILITY OF AN U.S. ARMY OFFICER:
The Rev.
Glenda P. Murray-Kelly
Growing up
in Chesapeake, Virginia was quite challenging for Randolph L. Copeland. He is a
1985 graduate of Oscar F. Smith High School, Chesapeake, Virginia, who is
affectionately known as “Randy”: or “Walkie.” Being the nephew of a
mathematician and professor at Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia and
the son to a mathematician in the Chesapeake Public School System had its
advantages and disadvantages. One of those advantages was having a
first-hand tutor who was always available to
teach.
Benjamin
and Mary Lou Copeland taught and provided discipline to their children at an early
age. Being the oldest child of two other siblings was not easy for
Randy. His dreams and desires found him in a very complex situation
appearing distant with periods of isolation and somewhat selfish and
mysterious.
Nevertheless,
all the Copeland children were taught to be humble, obedient and well-mannered.
Most of them were reared at New Mount Olive, African Methodist Episcopal
Church in the South
Hill area of Chesapeake, Virginia. They all grew up in the admiration of the
Lord.
At age 16,
he found himself in the Physics Department at Virginia State University,
Petersburg, Virginia with dreams of becoming a Black Scientist. He
traveled extensively around the world to obtain education and knowledge to
prove his calling into the field of Science and Engineering. This led him
to study at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia, Old Dominion University,
Norfolk, Virginia and Alabama A&M, Huntsville Alabama. While in
school he conducted and participated in various scientific researches and
traveled extensively to participant in Science Conferences.
At the age
of 22, he developed his musical talent at New Mount Olive AME Church and
played for the Senior Choir.
“This was
an experience for me, I really didn’t know what I was doing, but the church
gave me a chance and I am most grateful,” said Copeland.
One year
later, in 1992, he served as minister of music for Brown’s AME Church,
Smithfield, Virginia. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc.
pledging in 1995 in Alabama. But later, in life as he crossed lives
treadmills, he found himself bouncing around and seeking for direction and
focus.
He had to
wear a smile while playing for the choir for the funeral services of his mother
the Late Mary Lou Copeland on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Union Missionary
Baptist Church, Suffolk, Virginia. The eulogy was preached by the Rev.
Ira K. McMillan, pastor, New Mount Olive, AME in Chesapeake, Virginia. Yet, his
mother never knew that he was a United States Army Captain. He never abandoned
his faith as an AME His military dog tag reveals that.
We salute
you Captain Randolph L. Copeland, U.S. Army for your ability to carry out the
mission of the military oath in humility, truth, integrity, justice and our
prayers and support are with you as-well-as keeping the faith.
16. FRANKLIN GRAHAM APOLOGIZES FOR
REMARKS ABOUT OBAMA'S CHRISTIAN FAITH:
Written by Mark Barrett
12:21 PM, Feb. 29, 2012
Evangelist Franklin Graham has apologized for
questioning the Christian faith of President Barack Obama.
“I regret any comments I have ever made which may have
cast any doubt on the personal faith of our president, Mr. Obama. The president
has said he is a Christian and I accept that (and have said so publicly on many
occasions),” says the statement.
“I apologize to him and to any I have offended for not
better articulating my reason for not supporting him in this election -- for
his faith has nothing to do with my consideration of him as a candidate,” the
statement says.
Graham drew criticism from remarks on MSNBC last week
in which he said he could not “categorically” say that Obama is a Christian.
Despite Obama’s professions of his Christian faith,
Graham on the cable TV channel said that Muslims would consider Obama “a son of
Islam” because his father was a Muslim.
Among the critics of Graham’s remarks were faith
leaders involved with the NAACP.
They issued an open letter saying, “By his statements,
Rev. Graham seems to be aligning himself with those who use faith as a weapon
of political division. These kinds of comments could have enormous negative
effects for America and are especially harmful to the Christian witness.”
Graham said in his statement Tuesday that he disagrees
with Obama’s positions on several “moral issues” but noted that the
Constitution prohibits any religious test for public office.
“I even reject the idea that we should only vote for a
candidate of our own particular faith, for oftentimes that is not an available
option,” the statement says.
Following are the complete released statements by
Graham and the NAACP.
Franklin Graham's statement
Franklin Graham Response to NAACP Faith Leaders
February 28, 2012
I regret any comments I have ever made which may have cast any doubt on the personal faith of our president, Mr. Obama. The president has said he is a Christian and I accept that (and have said so publicly on many occasions). I apologize to him and to any I have offended for not better articulating my reason for not supporting him in this election—for his faith has nothing to do with my consideration of him as a candidate.
In fact, Article VI of our
Constitution strictly prohibits any religious test for public office. I believe
we should consider a candidate’s values and competence above anything else when
considering whom to support for public office. I even reject the idea that we
should only vote for a candidate of our own particular faith, for oftentimes
that is not an available option.
My objection to President Obama
is built on his policy positions on a number of important moral issues, and not
on his religion or faith. For example, I believe his positions on abortion and
on traditional marriage are in direct conflict with God’s standards as set
forth in Scripture. I have determined I cannot and will not vote for him or any
candidate in either party whose policy positions on such critical issues
violate biblical truths and standards.
My views here are not biased
according to political party or religion. For example, I would support a
pro-life Democrat over a pro-choice Republican at any level. I would support a
Mormon or a Jew who supported the defense of marriage defined as being between
a man and a woman over a Southern Baptist or Presbyterian who did not.
In this election season and
challenging economic time I am praying for our country and for those who lead
it—for we are commanded in Scripture to do so. I am also praying that our
nation will return to the God of our fathers and will look to His Son, Jesus
Christ as the only real answer to life’s problems and hurts.
NAACP statement
Open Letter from Leaders of Faith
Regarding Statements by Franklin Graham
As Christian denominational
leaders, pastors, and, most importantly, followers of Jesus Christ; we are
greatly troubled by recent attempts by some religious leaders to use faith as a
political weapon. We were disturbed and disappointed by statements made by Rev.
Franklin Graham during an interview on MSNBC that questioned whether President
Obama is a Christian. Rev. Graham also seemed to imply that the President may
be a Muslim, despite the fact that the President has repeatedly expressed his
faith and belief in Jesus Christ. By his statements, Rev. Graham seems to be aligning
himself with those who use faith as a weapon of political division. These kinds
of comments could have enormous negative effects for America and are especially
harmful to the Christian witness.
Many of us are working around the
world now to advance the cause of peace and religious tolerance, and we believe
that statements like Rev. Graham’s have potentially dangerous consequences
domestically and internationally. The world is looking to America’s faith
leaders to help build bridges of understanding and mutual respect, not to
further erect barriers of doubt and mistrust. It is unsettling and
counter-productive to American values and interests to engage in this kind of
misleading rhetoric cloaked in religion that divides our nation and
international neighbors over matters of religion and faith.
We can disagree about what it
means to be a Christian engaged in politics, but Christians should not bear
false witness. We are clear that the teachings of Jesus and the prophets call us
in our imperfection to put the most vulnerable among us ahead of our
self-interest. The gift of grace we received through the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ should remind Christians to enter the arena of
public service with a spirit of humility. As Christians we must respond to the
forgiveness we received from Jesus by serving our neighbors and protecting the
vulnerable and “the least” among us. This is how we as Christians strengthen
our walk with Christ and use our faith to build unity.
We are also concerned that Rev.
Graham’s comments can be used to encourage racism. We urge him to be mindful of
the unprecedented verbal attacks on President Obama based on his race and be
careful not to allow his own voice to be used to help drive such hateful words.
As committed Christian servants,
we deeply believe that Jesus defined what it means to be a Christian when he
gave his disciples a new commandment that they must “love one another.” As
Christian witnesses and leaders, Jesus calls us to follow his ethic of love. We
call on Rev. Graham and all Christian leaders to exemplify this essential
teaching of Jesus and refrain from using Christianity as a weapon of political
division.
Sincerely,
-
Dr. Carroll Baltimore, President, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
- Dr. Dale Braxton, President, National Convocation of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ
- Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop, AME Church
- The Rev. Ronnie Miller-Yow, Chairperson, Black Methodist for Church Renewal
- Dr. Julius Scruggs, President, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
- Dr. Stephen Thurston, President, National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.
- Bishop George W. C. Walker, Senior Bishop, AME Zion Church
- Bishop Henry Williamson, Eighth Episcopal District CME Church
- Dr. Amos C. Brown, Chair, NAACP Religious Affairs Committee
- Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Member of NAACP Religious Affairs Committee and Pastor Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX
- Bishop Roy A. Holmes, Member of NAACP Religious Affairs Committee and Midwest Episcopal District, AME Zion Church
- Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention
- The Rev. Julius C. Hope, Director, NAACP Religious Affairs Department
- The Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III, Vice President, NAACP Stakeholder Relations
- Dr. Dale Braxton, President, National Convocation of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ
- Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop, AME Church
- The Rev. Ronnie Miller-Yow, Chairperson, Black Methodist for Church Renewal
- Dr. Julius Scruggs, President, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
- Dr. Stephen Thurston, President, National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.
- Bishop George W. C. Walker, Senior Bishop, AME Zion Church
- Bishop Henry Williamson, Eighth Episcopal District CME Church
- Dr. Amos C. Brown, Chair, NAACP Religious Affairs Committee
- Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Member of NAACP Religious Affairs Committee and Pastor Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX
- Bishop Roy A. Holmes, Member of NAACP Religious Affairs Committee and Midwest Episcopal District, AME Zion Church
- Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention
- The Rev. Julius C. Hope, Director, NAACP Religious Affairs Department
- The Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III, Vice President, NAACP Stakeholder Relations
Read More:
17.
MID-WEEK MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 46:
**The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I recently received an urgent e-mail from a
clergy colleague with an apparent major problem - her purse was stolen while
she was in London and she needed me to send her money so that the hotel would release
her luggage and she could buy a ticket home. I sent her a return message
declining to help and marveling that she’d traveled to and been robbed in
London just four hours after we sat together in a meeting in Charleston!
The message, of course, wasn’t really from my
colleague. She opened what appeared to be a normal e-mail from a familiar
source and unwittingly activated a program that “hacked” her e-mail account,
copied her address book and sent out phony e-mails in her name.
That happens easily, even when we’re
careful. I never open strange attachments, click on strange links or
respond to “official” but odd looking, strangely worded requests for personal
information. I still sometimes, however, accidentally click on malicious
e-mail or go to a web site that opens a strange window that doesn’t want to
close.
That’s why I appreciate the blessing of good
internet security software. My security software runs in the background
and is easy to forget, but if I happen to click on something devious or
dubious, the software blocks it, stops the malicious process and opens a window
that says, “You’re protected.”
Internet security software does for our
computers what God can do in our lives. All of us strive to be
comfortable, secure and prosperous and to make the right decisions to go safely
through life - very few of us go looking for trouble. Trouble, however,
touches all of us in some way, shape or form sooner or later and can come in
ways that we didn’t invite, anticipate or prepare to handle.
When we trust in the Lord, however, we have an
Eternal Friend that one Psalmist said is “a very present help in time of
trouble.” God will steady us, protect us and give us needed direction and
inspiring assurance that we don’t have to face life alone. Even when we
unintentionally or intentionally mess up and run into trouble, God will be
there to pick us up and defend us.
Facing life without God on our side is like
going online with no internet security, but when God is with us, we can face
life with confidence, knowing that wherever life takes us or whatever life
throws at us, God will be there standing in the background and will step up,
fix things, and say to us through His grace, mercy and loving kindness, “You’re
protected.”
Get Ready for Sunday!
Join us for Worship at 7:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. on
the First Sunday in March, when we’ll also celebrate The Lord’s Supper.
The Eight O’clock Choir will offer praise at 7:45 a.m.
and the Combined Choir, Gospel Choir and Morris Brown Mass Choir will offer praise
at 11 a.m.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
Isaiah 40:21-31
I Corinthians 1:10-18
John 3:1-16
Sunday’s Sermons are:
7:45 am – “Find Your Power in the Cross”
11 am – “There’s Power in the Cross”
See YOU in church, and have a great week! If you are in Charleston, stop
by and be our guest!
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, South Carolina
18. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- The Reverend Michael W. Waters,
Pastor of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, recipient of the Black Alumni
History Makers' Award
The
Reverend Michael W. Waters, 32, founder and Senior Pastor of Joy Tabernacle AME
Church in Dallas, Texas is the youngest-ever recipient of the Black Alumni of
Southern Methodist University's (SMU) History Makers' Award presented Friday,
February 17, 2012. Rev. Waters, a two-time, cum laude graduate of SMU is
presently completing a doctoral degree at the University.
The author of
a highly celebrated Huffington Post blog, the Rev. Waters has recently appeared
in interviews with National Public Radio (NPR) and the British Broadcasting
Corporation (BBC) concerning his writings. A former student body vice-president
of SMU and two-time student body president of SMU's Perkins School of Theology,
the Rev. Waters is the founder of the SMU Civil Rights Pilgrimage and the
coordinator of the 9-11-01 Student Journals that will be housed in the Bush
Presidential Library. He was named one of America's top young leaders by Ebony
Magazine (April 2009).
The three
year-old Joy Tabernacle is one of the fastest-growing AME Churches in the State
of Texas. Congratulatory messages may be sent to joytabame@aol.com
Joy
Tabernacle AME Church
3203 Holmes
Street
Dallas,
Texas 75215
Telephone:
(214) 565-8975
Email: joytabame@aol.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JoyTabJoynt
- Ms. Charity Battle received the
Master of Arts Degree in Medical Science from Boston University
Ms. Charity
Battle graduated January 25, 2012 with a Master of Arts degree in Medical
Science from Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts. Her thesis topic
"Comparing and Contrasting Different Treatment Modalities of Sickle Cell
Disease."
She is the
daughter of the Rev. Milton and Doris Battle of Clover Garden AME Church in
Burlington, North Carolina (2nd Episcopal District).
Congratulatory
messages can be sent to:
Charity
Battle
1011 Maple
Avenue
Apex, NC
27502
Or emailed
to: CharityBattle@yahoo.com
19. FORMER GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are
saddened to announce the death of Frank Antonio Harrison on Sunday, February
26, 2012. He was the son of retired General Officer, the Rev. Dr. Frederick C.
Harrison, Former Secretary of Missions 1984-1992, who resides in the 19th
Episcopal District.
The
Celebration of Life for Frank Antonio Harrison is as follows:
Friday,
March 2, 2012
10:00 a.m.
Pilgrim AME
Church
612 - 17th
Street, N.E.
Washington,
D.C. 20002
Church
Telephone: (202) 396-8582
The Rev.
Wendell O.E. Christopher, Sr., Pastor
Condolences
and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the attention of the daughter of Dr.
Frederick C. Harrison, on staff at
Pilgrim AME Church.
The Rev.
Karen D. Harrison & Family
C/o Pilgrim
AME Church
612 - 17th
Street, N.E.
Washington,
D.C. 20002
Expressions
of sympathy may be emailed to:
The Rev.
Dr. Frederick C. Harrison: Harrison@global.co.za
The Rev.
Karen D. Harrison, daughter of Dr. Frederick C. Harrison: kharri9515818@aol.com
Contact phone
numbers:
The Rev.
Dr. Frederick C. Harrison: 011-27123434326
The Rev.
Karen D. Harrison: 202-277-5603
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We regret
to announce the death of Mrs. Ola Mae Johnson, who transitioned on Saturday, February
25, 2012. Mrs. Johnson is the mother of Chaplain (LTC- Retired), United States
Army, James Russell Johnson, Sr.
Service
Arrangements for Mrs. Ola Mae Johnson:
Family
Visitation:
Friday,
March 2, 2012, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Brazzel-Cornish
Funeral Home
1196 US
Highway 371 W
Prescott,
AR 71857
Telephone:
870-887-2644
FAX:
870-887-3188
Funeral
Service:
Saturday,
March 3, 2012 at 11 a.m.
Green Hill
AME Church
2850 County
Road 16
Prescott,
Arkansas 71857
Burial to
follow in Green Hill Cemetery in Prescott, Arkansas.
Flowers may
be sent to:
Brazzel-Cornish
Funeral Home (address above)
Online
Guest Book: http://brazzelfuneralhomes.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1410444&fh_id=11004
Condolences
may be emailed to Chaplain Johnson and Family at: chapjohn@att.net
Mailing
Address:
The Johnson
Family
249 Welton
Drive
Madison, AL
35757
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
22. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
22. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
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