THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (7/12/12)

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications

The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher

The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL – BITS AND PIECES OF THE “OFF THE CHART” 49^th QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE AMEC GENERAL CONFERENCE:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20^th Editor of The Christian Recorder

The 49^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is adjourned, stopped, ended, finished, concluded, closed, sealed and over. Whew! 

If you don't read or remember anything else: The General Conference was not a vacation and I hope that no one who attended the General Conference will try to convince his or her spouse that the General Conference counts as a vacation. We enjoyed the worship, the fellowship and being away from our usual routines, but it was not a vacation!

What a General Conference! I heard comments, “This is the best General Conference we have ever had,”  “This is the most efficient General Conference, ever,”  “We have never had an election of bishops like this,” and “It’s going to be tough to top this General Conference.”

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Team-13 and the other persons who worked hard to orchestrate the day-to-day operation of the General Conference deserve our thanks and appreciation for a job well-done!  It may take “a village to raise a child,” but it took a metropolis to put the 2012 General Conference together.

Thank you

There are so many persons and groups of persons to thank for their hard work. And, almost always in thanking people, we are prone to forget someone or some group.  When I gave kudos in The Christian Recorder Quadrennial Report to the General Conference, I inadvertently neglected to thank Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, my episcopal leader and Team-13; mu thanks to them.

The Christian Recorder welcomes Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the 5^th Episcopal District as the newly assigned Chair for the Publications Commission and bids farewell to Bishop Richard F. Norris, the outgoing Publications Commission Chair.

Media coverage

This General Conference and the business of the General Conference had more medial coverage than any of the previous General Conferences. The news media covered every aspect of the General Conference from the beginning to the end. Newspapers and televisions stations all over the country, including CNN and FOX News had reports on the General Conference. General Conference reports are still being circulated.

The person most responsible for the extensive media coverage of the General Conference was Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, a member of Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville. She put a media staff together and the AME Church was the recipient of extensive news coverage. Among those assisting Dr. Qualls-Brooks was Ms. Royya James who works for the United Methodist News Service.

The team also included the technology media team established by the then AMEC General Secretary Dr. Clement Fugh, who was elected bishop.  His team included Ms. Nancy Bass and the Rev. Morgan E. Dixon.

There were many, many persons working behind the scenes. Bishop McKenzie and her staff had numerous face-to-face meetings and an abundance of telephonic meetings right up to the day before the General Conference.

The AMEC Sunday School Union under the leadership of the AMEC Publisher, Dr. Johnny Barbour provided numerous supplies, printing and logistical support.

This General Conference was different

Technology was used as it has never been used previously. Hundreds of persons were using their mobile devices, sometimes to the detriment of the wireless environment needed to carry on the business of the General Conference.

We could have had a paperless environment for many of those who attended the General Conference. I suspect in Philadelphia in 2016, if we plan ahead, we could do the 50^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in an almost totally paperless environment; of course we would need to practice at couple of General Board and CONVO meetings.

Bits and Pieces

More news and photos about the General Conference are forthcoming in the print edition of The Christian Recorder and in future issues of The Christian Recorder Online.

The 49^th Quadrennial Session of the GC was “off the Chart”

The attendance of 30,000 persons is huge for any assemblage. 

The worship services were “off the chart” superb; just wish the worship services could have been video-streamed. If I had to find one complaint it would be the failure to video-stream the worship services. I would have loved for the world to have seen an AME Spirit-filled worship service that had dignity and emotion. The worship services were AME focused and a model for AME worship.

The music was “off the chart” superb.  The 2012 General Conference choir was the best General Conference choir ever.  The choir had a repertoire of contemporary gospel, traditional gospel, hymns and spirituals.

A significant highlight of the General Conference was the outstanding musical presentation of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers repertoire of Negro Spirituals was a lesson in African American History in song. The a capella presentation was powerful. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are considered a national treasure; and it’s easy to see why. Their musical presentation brought life and relevance to the Negro spirituals and helped listeners to understand the impact of music and the power of the black church in the African American community. They were “off the chart!”

The preaching was "off the chart!"  The African Methodist Episcopal Church has the best preachers in world; preachers in the AME Church are “second to none" and the sermons preached at the General Conference were the "first among the first!"

Every sermon was superb: Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Senior Bishop John R. Bryant, and Bishop C. Garnett Henning's Episcopal Address were "off the chart!"

The work of the General Conference is not finished

The first paragraph of this message said “The 49^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is adjourned, stopped, ended…,” but the work of the General Conference is not finished.

The 49^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference is not over and it is not finished. A General Conference, as lively as it was, has a lot of residuals.

The General Conference voted a 3% salary decrease for Bishops and General Officers and bishops and general officers will have to adjust their budgets at home and at work.  I haven’t heard one bishop or one general officer complain about their salary cut. We are living in austere times and the economy had not rebounded.

Serious work has to be accomplished

The work of the Compilation Committed is just beginning.

The Book of Discipline 2012 has to be published and that is a Herculean task of the Compilation Committee, Dr. Jeffrey Cooper, newly elected General Secretary /CIO; Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., AME Publisher and the AME Publishing House and staff.

Publishing The Discipline is not an overnight, quick task; it takes months to prepare The Discipline because it has “to be right, the first time.”

The adjournment announcement at the close of the General Conference was not “The End,” but “The Beginning.”

The 1^st Episcopal District and Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram are hard at work preparing for the 50^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, which will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Let me say again: The General Conference was not a vacation and I hope the ministerial and lay delegates will plan to take a vacation and get some rest.

Editor’s Note: Editor Sydnor and Dr. Charlotte are going on a post-General Conference cruise for a much-needed rest. The Christian Recorder Office will be closed.

2. CONTINUE TO READ THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:

 http://www.ame-church.com/blog/category/highlights/

http://www.ame-church.com/blog/category/highlights/

3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

- To the Editor:

RE: General Conference coverage.

We want to add our highest commendations to you for an awesome job done keeping
those of us who for physical reasons could not attend the General Conference.  Your
words put us in each session and service and we cannot thank you enough.

With appreciation,

The Rev. and Mrs. Joseph M. James, Jr.
Matteson, Illinois

- To the Editor:

RE: General Conference coverage.

You do not know me.  I am a pastor in the Chicago Conference.   I write simply to say “Thank You” for excellent coverage throughout the General Conference and afterwards. 

The Rev. Jan Cummings

- To the Editor:

RE: General Conference coverage.

I say to you, Job well done!!! You are truly a blessing a good and faithful servant. You have kept me abreast of all the doings of the Conference and I felt as if I was there.  Consistent, informative, unbiased and truthful are the words I would use to describe you and your work, if this was on a website that asked us to describe your character.

Thank you kindly for all the information you have shared with me.

God Bless!

Rosemary

Editor’s Note: TCR received numerous Letters to the Editor concerning appreciation for TCR General Conference news coverage.

4. GOOD NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT:

Many people have been asking when The Christian Recorder was going to resume the “You Ask” column that was penned by the late retired Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle.

The Christian Recorder is pleased to announce that the popular, well-loved “You Ask” column written by the late Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle is returning. 

Retired Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry has graciously agreed to resume that column.  She requested to be given a month to resettle and catch her breath; and that she would be happy to respond to the questions readers ask about our Zion.

5. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ELECTS TWO BISHOPS:

Royya James

Two bishops have been elected at the 49^th Quadrennial Session of the African Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference, out of a field of 17 candidates.

The Rev. Dr. Clement W. Fugh, of Brentwood, Tennessee has been elected the 131st Bishop of the AME Church. Rev. Fugh recently held the position of General Secretary/Chief Information Officer in the AME Church. His tenure ended on Wednesday, July 27th with the opening of the General Conference. The position of Secretary is the first position elected during the conference. Fugh has been employed as an AME official for the last 28 years, as an assistant pastor, pastor and General Secretary/CIO, as well as a variety of positions on boards and commissions.

In his acceptance speech, he said, “To God Be the Glory.” He recognized Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie, and Team 13, his support group from the 13th District. He closed by saying, “Teamwork makes dreams work.”

The second bishop elected was the Rev. Dr. Reginald T. Jackson, a native of Dover, Delaware. He pastors St. Matthew A.M.E. in Orange, New Jersey, where he has served since 1981. The Rev. Jackson is the 132nd elected bishop in the history of the church. Under his administration, St. Matthew created its own Community Development Corporation (CDC), called Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation. Known as the “Servant Church of the Oranges,” it has more than 30 ministries that focus on the spiritual, emotional, educational, and physical needs of the church and the community.

In his acceptance speech, the Rev. Jackson said, “It is good to be in the house of God.” He recognized a list of current bishops who supported and encouraged him through this process. He added, “I will continue to love God, love the Church and be a good shepherd.”

The Rev. Fugh received the most votes in the first round with all 17 candidates. Following that session, 11 candidates withdrew, leaving a remaining six. The Rev. Fugh received the most votes in the second round, 1228 and Rev. Jackson received 1031.

Bishops are elected by the delegates of the General Conference. There were only two bishop positions to be filled this quadrennial. The bishop serves as the general superintendent, chief executive, chief pastor, and administrative head of the AME Church, who is an elder, elected and consecrated to the office of Bishop by the General Conference.

The bishop is a member of the executive branch, consisting of the bishops, and familiarly called the Bishop’s Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The church’s first bishop was its founder, Richard Allen, who along with others established the Free African Society in 1787, which evolved into the African Methodist Episcopal Church and was recognized as a religious denomination in 1816.

For more information on the 2012 AME Church General Conference contact, Phyllis Qualls-Brooks at 615.498.4681 or go on-line to www.ame-church.com.

6. BISHOP T. LARRY KIRKLAND DESCRIBED FOUR KINDS OF PREACHERS:

(1) Coffee preachers, like coffee, stimulate but their messages have no nutritional or spiritual value.

(2) Sparkling wine or Champagne preachers sparkle but soon the sparkle and euphoria wears off.

(3) Alka-Seltzer preachers start out with a lot of sparkle and fizzle, but soon go flat.

(4) Spring-water preachers are cool, deep, and hard to find!!"

7. GENERAL CONFERENCE 2012 DAY #1: 

The Rev. Velma Grant

The 49^th session of the General Conference (GC) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will go down in history for a number of reasons both positive and negative. Words might not be adequate to describe the mood of the leaders and the participants, periods of joy, elation, periods of confusion and tension, periods of anger and “what just happened?” moments.

       

The Connectional AME Church with its varied cultures, styles of dress, languages, hues and colors filled the halls of the Convention Center of the Grand Old Opry. AME (s) came from the African continent, Asia, Europe, North and South America as well as the Caribbean and Latin America. They are old, middle aged, young and very young. They are male, female, clergy, lay, delegates, alternates and observers.

They are tall, short, average weight and otherwise. Some are able to walk unassisted, others need assistance, even some others have the distinction of renting scooters, and parking said scooters in the AME parking alley (my designation for the area outside the hall). I am still perplexed as to how one identifies ones scooter amongst all the others that are parked in the alley and wonder if there have been any scooter-jacking (instead of car jacking, moment of hilarity here).

Regardless of the physical stature or physical impairment, it is obvious that the AME Church, our beloved Zion holds a special place in the hearts of its members. People could have been assembled anywhere else but they chose to be present in Nashville, Tennessee at the seat of the 49^th session of the GC of their beloved AME Church. Kudos to Team-13 and to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie for undertaking this momentous task.

Wednesday June 27, 2012

       

Prior to the start of the worship service, attendees viewed a video montage of the AME Church bishops discussing various topics including then Senator Obama’s historic visit and speech to the 2008 AME General Conference. Another discussion topic was the path to the Episcopal office by the first female and the subsequent rise of the second and third females to the Episcopal office. The bishops who shared their ideas or vision and future of the AME Church addressed the topic, “Hopes & Dreams of the AME Church.”

The Senior Bishop of the AME Church, Bishop John Bryant served as the Worship leader for the opening service of the 49^th session of the GC. He set the tone as he welcomed the attendees to worship God in Nashville, Tennessee. Bishop William P. DeVeaux outgoing prelate of the Sixth appeared hale and hearty as he lined the hymn of the praise for the service, taken from the AME Hymnal # 304, “And Are We Yet Alive.” This hymn was so appropriate in light of the physical challenges of knee replacement surgery that Bishop DeVeaux recently faced; God is truly a divine healer and for that, we are grateful. We are yet alive to see each other’s faces and are grateful to God for guidance and protection as well as health and strength.

Bishop McKinley Young preached the 49^th Quadrennial General Conference sermon using the scripture John 18:37. He gave a vivid description and reminder per the text of Jesus standing before Pilate being judged by one who does not have the authority to judge. Jesus withstood every insult hurled at him, every physical hit/slap, lick rendered by others. Jesus even withstood the mucous expulsion (spit) and did not complain because he did it for me and for you. Bishop McKinley preached that Jesus was standing to represent God and was not on earth to further his own agenda. Pilate did those things to please the people because he was busy trying to keep his job.

Bishop McKinley reminded the attendees to remember where they came from; he reminded them of their history and the heritage that is coursing through their veins. He said that Jesus came to empower sons and daughters to be the children of liberation; he put in their hearts passion for justice and because of this it “ain’t what they call you…but it is who you are.” Bishop said that we have no power of our own, but it all belongs to God and we know when he appears we shall be like him. The quadrennial sermon was preached with power and passion and it resonated with the heart and the soul.

After the service, the body moved to the afternoon business of the General Conference and this was the beginning of the many discussions, interruptions, thanks and commendations (sometimes pronounced incorrectly as accommodations), calls for clarity, motions, amendments to motions, and amendments to amendments slowed the process and frustrated many over the course of the next several days.

The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, first female to chair a commission of the General Conference made her report followed by the presentation of the Rules Committee chaired by the Rev. George Moore Jr. (Sixth Episcopal District). The Rules Committee sets the foundation for the rules to govern the conduct of the 49^th session of the General Conference.

Midway through the presentation of the governing rules, one individual presented a motion to accept the rest of the rules prior to hearing/presenting them.  One comment was shared that it was bad to start out approving rules that were not heard or seen and so a substitute motion was offered to continue reading the rules without modifications. There was a long debate about one of the rules; coupled with back and forth comments.  Eventually the rules were approved for the 49^th session of the General Conference at 6:45 p.m.

Dr. Clement Fugh, requested point of privilege and addressed the GC, he made the request for the 49^th session of the GC to accept his voluntary retirement as the General Secretary/Chief Information Officer of the AME Church. The GC accepted his voluntary retirement and several commendations and thanks were expressed from various individuals in appreciation of the long and hard work of Dr. Fugh. Dr. Fugh, a certified candidate at this GC, now seeks the office of bishop so that he may serve the AME Church in another capacity.

The next task was to deal with the chair of the Episcopal Committee and by voice vote; the Rev. Harold Mayberry (who ran unopposed) was elected as the leader of the 80-member committee. This is the third time that the Rev. Mayberry has led the Episcopal Committee. It is not surprising to note that the entire committee (similar to other committees) is overwhelmingly comprised of male members.

There are approximately 24 female members of the Episcopal Committee along with one additional female who appears to be part of the team of marshals. The marshals accompany the committee upon their entrance and exit into and out of the halls of the GC. Their somber and leisure stroll into and out of the halls of the conference is time consuming and is reminiscent of a funeral procession. Individuals are urged by the stern marshals to move out of the way, as the committed members stroll in and out.

I am not sure of the requirements for such solemnity but it seems as if it is an archaic law or tradition that might need to be revisited in the essence of time management. The responsibilities and duties of this committee are certainly respected and honored but for a body that is already pressed for time, anything that can be done to move the business of the church expeditiously forward decently and in order should be considered and if necessary revised or changed.

Next the voting members of the Conference as well as others were instructed to turn off all wireless devices so that there would be no interference with the voting equipment that were distributed to use in the first official election task. That task was the election to replace the now retired General Secretary, Dr. Clement Fugh.

There were two candidates vying for the position, the Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper (ballot #102) and the Rev. Eric L. Brown (ballot # 101). The electronic voting results indicated that the Rev. Dr. J.B. Cooper was the clear winner with 842 (57.20%) votes and the Rev. E. L. Brown received 630 (42.80) votes out of the total number of 1,472 votes cast in the election.

Bishop Young proclaimed that the Rev. Dr. Cooper was the newly elected General Secretary/CIO of the AME Church. Dr. Cooper in his remarks and acceptance speech thanked the members of the Conference for their vote of confidence, acknowledged the service of Dr. Fugh, and said that he was standing on the shoulders of Dr. Fugh and others. He also expressed gratitude to the DeVeaux team and his “real friend” the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bess.

Dr. Cooper went on and expressed appreciation to the entire Sixth Episcopal District for nurturing and preparing him for this moment. He also thanked and acknowledged his wife and his other family members for their support. He also reiterated that his campaign motto of “Triple A” protection (Accountability, Accessibility, Accuracy) would be his continuing theme and that the AME Church “can consider it done.” Much blessings and success to the new General Secretary and Chief Information Officer of the AME Church. We will certainly “consider it done.”

8. TRIBUTE TO THE 49TH QUADRENNIAL GENERAL CONFERENCE HEALTH TEAM:

This letter is written to commend the AME Health Team assembled at the General Conference.

Following the spirited opening worship service on June 27th, my husband, the Rev. Darrell Casey became unusually dizzy and incapacitated.

Someone alerted the Health Team and within minutes Dr. Cornelia "Connie" Graves and Dr. Ouida Collins and others were on the scene. When a wheelchair could not be located, Dr. Connie quickly grabbed a luggage cart, loaded up my husband, and she and Dr. Collins carried him to the First Aid Room. After examining him, taking his blood pressure multiple times, and administering other first aid, they determined that he needed further assistance. The paramedics were called to the Gaylord and he was taken to Skyline Medical Center in Nashville.

The story does not end there.

The team proceeded to care for my 12-year old son that was left behind when I rode the ambulance to the hospital with my husband, and Dr. Connie later came and got me from the Medical Center and took me to the Radisson Hotel. My husband was kept at the hospital for two days while tests were run and it was determined that he was suffering from vertigo. He was released on Friday, June 29th and with care, we were then able to fully participate in the conference, staying through the business sessions, elections, and the powerful closing worship service.

Throughout his hospitalization and during the entire time that we were in Nashville, we received calls of concern from the doctors from the Health Team. Their care and level of concern was phenomenal, but indicative of how we should be as Christians. I don't recall the names of all of those who worked in the First Aid Room and made up the Health Team, but I'm sure there is a record somewhere of the long hours they worked, and of course God knows and I'm sure He was pleased with the salt and light which they spread throughout the conference days.

Thanks again to all who availed themselves at the 49th Session of the General Conference. We were proud to be a part of this legacy.

Submitted by the Rev. Darrell and the Rev. Janice Casey

St. Paul AME Church

Kingsland, GA

9. THE SERVICE OF INSTALLATION FOR GENERAL OFFICERS & JUDICIAL COUNCIL:

July 3, 2012

Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister Sr., Presiding

The Service began promptly at 12:00 p.m. with Bishop McAllister leading the Call to Worship.  Bishop John White lead the congregation in the hymn, “How Great the Wisdom.”  The call to Confession was led by Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath followed by The Choral Response, “Total Praise,” The ad hoc choir then performed “O Thou, in Whose Presence” as their first selection. 

Bishop E. Earl McCloud asked all General Officers and Judicial Council member-elect, to stand for the Responsive Reading.  Retired General Officers Dennis Dickerson, Bishop-Elect Clement Fugh and Retired Connectional Officer Gwendolyn B. Williams were presented for Retirement by Bishop John Bryant.  Bishop Bryant led the congregation in singing “Everybody Say Amen” to conclude this tribute.

Bishop Sara Davis presented the General Officers and Judicial Council, and Bishop Bryant led The Interrogation.  The Prayer of Dedication was given by retired Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster after which the Hymn “My Hope is Built” was led by Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr.

Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant administered the Charge to the General Secretary/CIO, Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper; Treasurer/CFO,  Dr. Richard A. Lewis; Publisher of the Sunday School Union, Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.; Historiographer, Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown; Executive Director of Global Witness, Dr. George F. Flowers; Executive Director of Annuity Investments and Insurance, Dr. Jerome V. Harris; Executive Director of Church Growth and Development, Dr. James C. Wade;  Executive Director of Christian Education, Dr. Daryl B. Ingram;  Editor of The Christian Recorder, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III; and Judicial Council Members - Rev. Vernon R. Byrd, Jr. and Rev. Glenda F. Hodges.

Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland spoke of the short supply of spiritual Leadership in the corporate world, in the political world, in sports and entertainment and even in the church.  His Words of Commendation were taken from Isaiah 6:1-6.  He stated that Isaiah gave us a money back formula for successful spiritual leadership: moments of revelation, examination, purification and presentation.  He took the crowd to a high level of praise by singing, “The Lord will Make a Way Somehow.”

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry led all in the Song of Commitment, “I Am Thine, O Lord,’ in the absence of Bishop Zedekiah LaZett Grady.

The Benediction was led by retired Bishop Frederick Calhoun James. 

10. THE RETIREMENT CEREMONY FOR BISHOP CORNAL GARNETT HENNING, SR. AND BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY:

Saturday, June 30, 2012

8:00 p.m.

Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot was the Worship Leader.

The Retirement Ceremony began at 8:03 p.m.  Bishop Talbot led the congregation with the singing of “God is So Good.”  He then outlined the Order of Service.  The Hymn of Praise, “O, God, Our Help in Ages Past  was lined by Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister,  Sr. followed by the Invocation , fervently rendered by Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson

Bishop Preston Warren Williams delivered the “Statement of Purpose.”  He stated that the characteristics of Bishops are described in Titus 1:7-9 and the Retiring Bishops we are honoring tonight held true to those principles and doctrines.  He said that although they will no longer be assigned to episcopal districts, they will continue to serve the connectional church as mentors.  In addition, these Bishops will be able to spend time with family and friends and with conversation with the Holy Spirit.

Mrs. Jackie Dupont-Walker then read a statement from President Barack Obama who recognized the service of Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry.

Bishop Talbot acknowledged the presence of the leaders: Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant; President of the Council of Bishops, Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr.; President of the General Board, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland; Host of the General Conference, Bishop Vashti McKenzie; active and retired Bishops; Host Supervisor and President of the Supervisors Council, Mr. Stan McKenzie; General Connectional Officers; college presidents and deans; delegates; and, families and friends of the honorees.

Bishop Talbot presented Bishop Cornel Garnett Henning, Sr.  Bishop Henning gave recognition to the leaders of the Church and to his wife, Ernestine, and his family.  He especially recognized the fact that Bishop Talbot was one of his teachers in seminary and now he is presiding at his retirement ceremony.  He said that God is truly amazing because it was 59 years ago on the grounds of St. John AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee where he thought he would never preach.  He soon afterwards gave his hand to service to Bishop Frederick Lee Jordan and Bishop John Henry Clayborn.  Bishop Henning said that his first assignment was also in Nashville.  He then expressed his love for the AME Church and thanked God, his family and the church and that this was certainly not the end.

Bishop Talbot then presented Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry.  Bishop Guidry greeted the leaders of the church and all who were present.  She then shared with us her conversion at the age of eight years old at Institutional AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi and that Jesus has been her life since that time.  She was first called to preach in 1970 and tried to reject her calling.  She soon discovered that you “can’t box with God” and accepted her call.  She said that God has never failed her and her life with Christ and her life with the AME Church has been the center of her being.  Bishop Guidry mentioned that two of her sons are ordained ministers in the AME Church and her grandson has accepted the call in Los Angeles, California.  She ended her remarks by singing “When I Think about the Goodness of Jesus.”

Mrs. L’Tanya Moore Copeland gave an inspiring musical tribute by singing “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “I Won’t Complain.”

Statements of Achievements for Bishop Henning were read by his daughter, Dr. Carma Henning Love and for Bishop Guidry by her son, Reverend Timothy Eugene Tyler.

The Message of Tributes was delivered by Bishop John Hurst Adams.  He gave the Retiring Bishops Four A’s:  for having Affection for the African Methodist Church, for being  expert Advocates,  for creating an Atmosphere where excellence is possible…, and  for giving Attention to God and the things of God and the love for truth and the development of a just society.

Bishop Talbot presented the attached list of names of family members of both Bishops Henning and Guidry.

Bishop Guidry thanked Mrs. Lola Nixon Cheltenham who served as Episcopal Supervisor in the Sixteenth Episcopal District for one year and the Eighth Episcopal District for four years after the death of her husband. 

Bishop Talbot presented Supervisor Ernestine Henning.  He then presented the Reverend Andrew C. Mori-Grant who made a tribute to Bishop Guidry on behalf of the sixteenth Episcopal District. 

After giving commendations to Bishop Guidry on behalf of the Eight District, The Reverend Leona Potts presented Bishop Guidry and Supervisor Cheltenham with bouquets of flowers.  Bishop Guidry’s grandson, Kirk Tyler made a tribute on behalf of the California Tylers.

The Reverend Floyd Alexander made a tribute to Bishop Henning on behalf of the Third Episcopal District.  Bishop Talbot presented Bishop David Daniels who gave a rousing tribute to Bishop Henning.

The Retirement Program ended with the singing of the Doxology and the Benediction by Bishop Paul Jones Mulenga Kawimbe.

11. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (AME) CHURCH DREW AN ESTIMATED 30,000:

The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church drew an estimated 30,000 people to Nashville, Tenn., June 27–July 4 for its 49th quadrennial general conference. The convention caused a flurry of headlines when the church adopted a resolution at the meeting condemning the contempt of Congress vote against U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder by the House of Representatives. The AME resolution sought to draw a connection between the House vote and Holder’s plan to look into whether recent legislation on voter fraud was driven by an effort to suppress voter turnout.

More headlines followed when the convention’s keynote speaker First Lady Michelle Obama praised the church’s role in fighting slavery, segregation, and the disenfranchisement of blacks at the ballot box. She urged AME, one of the country’s most influential black churches, to become more involved in the issues that affect their lives.

http://meetingsnet.com/religiousconferencemanager/news/religious_conferences_0710/

12. ELECTED GENERAL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL:

Unopposed and unanimously reelected:

The Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.

Dr. Richard Allen Lewis

The Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers

The Rev. Dr. Jerome Harris

The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

TaShun Bowden-Lewis – Lay Alternate: The Judicial Council

The Rev. Frederick D. Sherrod III – Clergy Alternate- The Judicial Council

Department of Christian Education

The Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram re-elected as the Executive Director of Christian Education

Department of Church Growth and Development

The Rev. Dr. James Wade re-elected as the Executive Director of Church Growth and Development

Historiographer/Director of Research & Scholarship, Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review

The Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown elected as the Historiographer / Director of Research & Scholarship; Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review

Judicial Council:

- Clergy

1. The Rev. Vernon R. Byrd, Jr.

2. The Rev.  Dr. Glenda Hodges

The following persons were elected/re-elected on the first day of the General Conference

The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey B. Cooper elected as the AMEC General Secretary/ CIO

The Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry re-elected as chair of the Episcopal Committee Chair

13. THE SERVICE OF INSTALLATION FOR GENERAL OFFICERS AND JUDICIAL COUNCIL:

July 3, 2012

Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister Sr., Presiding

The Service began promptly at 12:00 p.m. with Bishop McAllister leading the Call to Worship.  Bishop John White lead the congregation in the hymn, “How Great the Wisdom.”  The call to Confession was led by Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath followed by The Choral Response, “Total Praise,” The ad hoc choir then performed “O Thou, in Whose Presence” as their first selection. 

Bishop E. Earl McCloud asked all General Officers and Judicial Council member-elect, to stand for the Responsive Reading.  Retired General Officers Dennis Dickerson, Bishop-Elect Clement Fugh and Retired Connectional Officer Gwendolyn B. Williams were presented for Retirement by Bishop John Bryant.  Bishop Bryant led the congregation in singing “Everybody Say Amen” to conclude this tribute.

Bishop Sara Davis presented the General Officers and Judicial Council, and Bishop Bryant led The Interrogation.  The Prayer of Dedication was given by retired Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster after which the Hymn “My Hope is Built” was led by Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr.

Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant administered the Charge to the General Secretary/CIO, Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper; Treasurer/CFO,  Dr. Richard A. Lewis; Publisher of the Sunday School Union, Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.; Historiographer, Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown; Executive Director of Global Witness, Dr. George F. Flowers; Executive Director of Annuity Investments and Insurance, Dr. Jerome V. Harris; Executive Director of Church Growth and Development, Dr. James C. Wade;  Executive Director of Christian Education, Dr. Daryl B. Ingram;  Editor of The Christian Recorder, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III; and Judicial Council Members - Rev. Vernon R. Byrd, Jr. and Rev. Glenda F. Hodges.

Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland spoke of the short supply of spiritual Leadership in the corporate world, in the political world, in sports and entertainment and even in the church.  His Words of Commendation were taken from Isaiah 6:1-6.  He stated that Isaiah gave us a money back formula for successful spiritual leadership:  moments of revelation, examination, purification and presentation.  He took the crowd to a high level of praise by singing, “The Lord will Make a Way Somehow.”

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry led all in The Song of Commitment, “I Am Thine, O Lord,’ in the absence of Bishop Zedekiah LaZett Grady.

Commission Chair Bishop Gregory Ingram asked the body to reconvene at 3:03:03, with the Order of the Day being the Episcopal District and Bishop’s Nominations, along with continued readings from the Resolutions Committee.

The Benediction was led by retired Bishop Frederick Calhoun James.  The program ended at 12:56

14. 49^TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ASSIGNS BISHOPS TO EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS:

Royya James

July 4, 2012

- Two new Bishops headed for Africa

Bishop Clement W. Fugh and Bishop Reginal T. Jackson, who were elected during this 49^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, are headed to Africa for their first assignments as bishops in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Chair of the Episcopal Committee, the Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry said, “We have done our work, and pleased with the results of the assignments. We viewed our responsibility as a ministry and look forward to the Bishops assuming their leadership positions as assigned.”

The term of an assignment is four years. A bishop can only serve two consecutive four-year terms in a district.

Bishop Fugh, who resides in Franklin, Tennessee, has been assigned to the Fourteenth Episcopal District, which includes Liberia, Central Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire and Togo-Benin.

Bishop Jackson, who resides in New Jersey, has been assigned to the Twentieth Episcopal District. His area includes North, South, Central and Northeast Malawi and Southwest and Central Zimbabwe. He will also serve as the Ecumenical Affairs Officer.

The AME Church has assigned bishops to Africa for more than 100 years.

Other assignments are as follows:

First Episcopal District: Bishop Gerald G. M. Ingram (District includes: Bermuda, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Western New York, New England and Philadelphia). Bishop Ingram moves from the Tenth District

Second Episcopal District: Bishop William P. DeVeaux (District includes: Baltimore, Washington, Virginia, North Carolina and Western North Carolina)

Bishop DeVeaux moves from the Sixth District.

Third Episcopal District: Bishop McKinley Young

(District includes: Ohio, Pittsburgh, North Ohio, South Ohio and West Virginia)

Bishop Young moves from the Eleventh District

Fourth Episcopal District: Bishop John R. Bryant

(District includes: Indiana, Chicago, Illinois, Michigan and Canada)

No change in this district

Fifth Episcopal District: Bishop T. Larry Kirkland

(District includes: California, Southern California, Desert Mountain, India, Midwest, Missouri, and Pacific Northwest)

No change in this district

Sixth Episcopal District: Preston Warren Williams, II

(District includes: Georgia, Southwest Georgia, Atlanta-North, Macon, South Georgia and Augusta). Bishop Williams moves from the Seventh District.

Seventh Episcopal District: Bishop Richard F. Norris (District includes: Palmetto, South Carolina, Columbia, Piedmont, Northeast South Carolina and Central South Carolina). Bishop Norris moves from the First District

Eighth Episcopal District: Bishop Julius McAllister (District includes: South Mississippi, North Mississippi, Central North Louisiana, and Louisiana).

Bishop McAllister moves from the Twentieth District

Ninth Episcopal District: Bishop James L. Davis (District includes: Alabama, North Alabama, Central Alabama, East Alabama, South Alabama and West Alabama). No change in this district

Tenth Episcopal District: Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie (District includes: Texas, Southwest Texas, North Texas and Northwest Texas).

Bishop McKenzie moves from the Thirteenth District

Eleventh Episcopal District: Bishop Adam J. Richardson (District includes: Florida, Central Conference, South Conference, West Coast Conference, East Conference, Bahamas Conference). Bishop Richardson moves from the Second District

Twelfth Episcopal District: Bishop Samuel Green (District includes: Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma, Arkansas, West Arkansas, Central Arkansas, East Northeast Arkansas, and South Arkansas). No change in this district

Thirteenth Episcopal District: Bishop Jeffrey Leath (District includes: Tennessee, East Tennessee, West Tennessee, Kentucky and West Kentucky).

Bishop Leath moves from the Nineteenth District

Fourteenth Episcopal District: Bishop Clement Fugh (District includes: Liberia, Central Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d ‘Ivoire and Togo-Benin). Bishop Fugh is newly elected.

Fifteenth Episcopal District: Bishop David Daniels (District includes: Angola, Cape, Eastern Cape, Kalahari, Namibia, and Queenstown).

Bishop Daniels moves from the Fourteenth District.

Sixteenth Episcopal District: Bishop Sarah Davis (District includes: Guyana/Suriname, Virgin Islands, European, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Windward Islands). No change in this district.

Seventeenth Episcopal District: Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah (District includes: Southeast Zambia, Southwest Zambia, Northeast Zambia, Northwest Zambia, Zambezi, Congo Brazzaville, Katanga, Kananga, Kinshasa, Mbuji-mayi, Rwanda, Burundi and Tshikapa). Bishop Messiah returns to active episcopal service.

Eighteenth Episcopal District: Bishop John Franklin White District includes: Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique and Northeast Lesotho). No change in this district

Nineteenth Episcopal District: Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe (District includes: Orangia, Natal, M.M. Mokone Memorial Conference, East, West).

Bishop Kawimbe moves from the Seventeenth District

Twentieth Episcopal District: Bishop Reginald T. Jackson (District includes: Malawi North, Malawi South, Malawi Central, Northeast Zimbabwe, Southwest Zimbabwe, Central Zimbabwe). Bishop Jackson is newly appointed.

Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., requested to be located, which means no active assignment.

For information on districts and locations, visit the AME Church website: WWW.ame-church.com  or contact Phyllis Qualls-Brooks at 615.498.4681.

15. THE GENERAL BOARD LEADERSHIP – 2012 -2016:

Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.: President

Bishop Richard F. Norris: 1^st Vice President

Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie: 2^nd Vice President

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram: 3^rd Vice President

Bishop John R. Bryant: Commission on Statistics and Finance

Bishop James L. Davis: Commission on Annuity, Investments and Insurance

Bishop John F. White: Commission on Christian Education

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland: Commission on Publications

Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie: Commission on Global Witness and Development

Bishop Sarah F. Davis: Commission on Church Growth and Development

Bishop Julius McAllister: Commission on Ministry and Recruitment

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah: Commission on Health

Bishop Paul Kawimbe: Commission on Global Development

Bishop David R. Daniels: Commission on Economic Development

Bishop William P. DeVeaux: Commission on Lay Organization

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson: Commission on Social Action

Bishop Clement W. Fugh: Commission on Women In Ministry

Bishop Preston W. Williams II: Commission on Seminaries, Universities and Schools

The Connectional Health Commission

The Rev. Natalie Mitchem: Executive Director

The Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett: Medical Director

16. FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE 49^TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE AME GENERAL CONFERENCE:

Senior Bishop John Bryant introduced First Lady Michelle Obama as the First Lady of the United States and the First Lady of the world.

Bishop Samuel Green, President of the Council of Bishop welcomed and presented First Lady Michelle Obama.

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram gave introductory remarks about the AME Church's appreciation of First Lady Obama and extended a warm welcome to First Lady Michelle.

Bishop Vashti McKenzie presented Nashville Mayor, Carl Dean who gave welcome remarks and acknowledged the bishops of the AME Church with special commendation to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie.

Bishop McKenzie presented First Lady Michelle Obama.

Mrs. Obama commended the AME Church and challenged the GC attendees to understand that the fight for civil rights has not been won. She went on to explain that all of us have to be responsible citizens, which means that we have do out civic duties that includes being positive role models for our children. She encouraged the delegates and visitors to "continue the work, and bring others along with you," and to understand that Church is more than attending Sunday worship.  She went on to say, “Church is a 7-day activity.”  Mrs. Obama encouraged church members to attend school board and other meetings and to integrate church programs with the programs of the local community.  She also addressed relevant issues germane to the African American community, such as obesity, crime, political apathy, and education.

She gave a rousing speech and received numerous standing ovations. At the end of her speech, she received a 5-minute standing ovation. 

She took time to meet and greet delegates and it was obvious that she had “connected” with the members of the AME Church.

17. THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL BREAKFAST AT THE AME GENERAL CONFERENCE:

Dr. Bobby Jones featured at the Stellar Event

The internationally famous Dr. Bobby Jones served as the stellar star he is at the African Methodist Episcopal Church Connectional Lay Organization’s Centennial Celebration at a standing-room-only breakfast event. It was held on Sunday, July 1, at the Opryland Resort and Convention Center in the President’s Ballroom.

The Connectional Lay Organization was established in 1912 as a Body of the Church. Its purpose is to train and educate the Laity through lay witness, leadership training and advocacy. Breakfast Program Coordinator and Centennial Celebration Co-Chair, William “Bill” Ayers said, “This Centennial Celebration was an outstanding affair during the 49^th Quadrennial Session of the AME General Conference. Dr. Bobby Jones was absolutely exceptional and kept the audience totally engaged.”

The fact that the event took place at 7 a.m. did not discourage anyone from attending. It was held in the very attractive Presidential Ballroom decorated in traditional Lay colors of blue and white that greeted the audience. When Dr. Jones was introduced by Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, a member of the Lay at Greater Bethel in Nashville, the audience was ecstatic. Here in Music City, this group was witnessing the star of BET’s longest running program. “Dr. Jones was inspiring, educational, encouraging and uplifting. It was perfect for the early morning celebration,” said Ayers.

“I was honored to be a part of this great celebration of the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church,” said Dr. Jones. He met old friends and became acquainted with loyal fans who have watched him on television for years. Now, this Tennessee native was welcoming guests to his home state while celebrating a special milestone in the life of the A.M.E. Church.

The event was filled with all genres of music-- jazz, gospel, opera and liturgical dance. It was a morning filled with music, movement and voices of praise. “The goal of the program was to be all-inclusive, which involved cross generational program participants,” said Ayers. Each guest received a clear glass faceted mug with the CLO Centennial icon embossed with a gold-rim as a commemorative memento.

Chair of the Lay Commission, Bishop C. Garnett Henning, congratulated the Laity for the fine work that has been done and its’ Centennial Celebration. He said, “I have been known as a Lay Bishop and I am proud of that.” He shared with the audience that this was a time to reflect and review, and to plan ahead for a brighter future. Bishop Henning retires at the end of this General Conference on July 4, 2012.

This was more than an event to celebrate the centennial; it was a time to plan for the future. Dr. Willie C. Glover, president of the Connectional Lay Organization said this was a significant event. “I am quite thrilled Dr. Bobby Jones graced us with his presence this morning so we could share our special celebration with a star of his caliber with him.” He added, “I am so pleased we have had this great celebration to commemorate our existence and do it in such grand style.”

“We have done great things during this centennial year celebration and plan to do more,” said Dr. Paulette Coleman, co-chair of the year-long centennial celebration. Dr. Bobby Jones acknowledged several individuals in the audience including, Richard Lewis, treasurer and CFO of the AME Church and Drs. McDonald and Jayme C. Williams. Dr. Jones was a student in Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams’ undergraduate class when he attended TSU.

In addition to a great celebration, the goal of the centennial event was to raise a minimum of $50,000 for scholarships and to support outreach ministries under the AME banner. Ms. Anna Johnson and Mrs. Eddie White were co-chairs of this memorable Lay event.

The Connectional Lay Organization Online

Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux Sr, Lay Commission Chairman

Dr. Willie C. Glover, President of the Connectional Lay Organization

Mrs. Eileen S. Warner, CLO Online Administrator

18. AMEC RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC H. HOLDER, JR.:

Drafted on June 28, 2012

FOR AS MUCH AS the 49^th Quadrennial General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in session in Nashville, Tennessee has noted the decision of the United States House of Representatives to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress, it is fitting and proper that the General Conference express its profound disagreement with that decision by way of the following resolution:

WHEREAS the African Methodist Episcopal church has a 196 year tradition of speaking truth to power and advocating the active application of the liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ, and,

WHEREAS numerous clergy and laity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church were elected to public office and appointed to positions of responsibility at the federal level during the period of Reconstruction following the American Civil War, and,

WHEREAS many of those elected officials and their African-American colleagues were removed from or run out of office due to baseless charges designed to question their competence and impugn their integrity, and,

WHEREAS those who attacked and maligned African-American public officials also enacted mean spirited laws that made it all but impossible for former slaves to exercise their right to vote in the American south, and,

WHEREAS both of those strategies were employed to suppress the African-American vote and enable those who controlled much of government before they seceded from the Union to regain control, and,

WHEREAS the House of Representatives has held Attorney General Holder in contempt for the "Fast and Furious" program initiated by the prior Presidential Administration's Justice Department and discontinued by Attorney General Holder upon his discovery of the program, and,

WHEREAS those who have held Attorney General Holder, America's first African-American Attorney General, in contempt have been consistently and systematically disrespectful of the Attorney General and of President Barack Obama, and,

WHEREAS the attack against Attorney General Holder comes after his stated intent to determine whether recent laws passed to combat non-existent voter fraud are actually efforts at voter suppression that violate the Voting Rights Act,

BE IT, THEREFORE, HEREBY RESOLVED that the 49^th General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church condemns the contemptible action taken against the office held by Attorney General Eric Holder and finds that action to be political in nature and designed, as were the evil strategies employed following the Reconstruction era, to suppress the votes of those who might change the balance of political power in Congress and in the White House.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we support, stand by and will pray for Attorney General Eric Holder to continue to fulfill the responsibilities of his office and call upon elected officials of good will to continue to stand against this contemptible action and to demand fairness and civility in government and in political arena.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 49^th Quadrennial General Conference urges its members during a designated "Social Action moment" to immediately call their members of the House of Representatives and urge that they rescind the action taken against Attorney General Holder.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will walk in the footsteps of our spiritual ancestors who opposed Jim Crow Segregation and will vigorously oppose all modern day efforts to disenfranchise any American or reverse gains made in human and civil rights.

IT IS SO RESOLVED this 28^th day of June, 2012 by the 49^th Quadrennial General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

*Signed by the Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

19. A RESOLUTION - GETTING OUT THE VOTE:

FOR AS MUCH AS the African Methodist Episcopal Church was born in the crucible of Christian Social Action and founded by those who embraced the equity and fairness that flow from the Gospel, it is fitting and proper that the 49th Quadrennial session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church issue a call for responsible civic engagement by way of the following resolution:

WHEREAS the United States of America will hold a general election on November 6, 2012 to include the election of the President of the United States, members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the state Governors, and various elected officials at the county and local levels of government, and,

WHEREAS the right to vote is a precious treasure which our ancestors in the faith fought, sacrificed and, in some cases, gave their lives to secure, and,

WHEREAS efforts are underway in many states to enact and enforce laws reportedly designed to prevent non-existent voter fraud, but with an apparent intent to suppress the vote and to deny some citizens the right to vote, and,

WHEREAS many of the probable victims of voter suppression efforts sit in our pews,  live in our communities, and may be victimized as described in The New Jim Crow, and,

WHEREAS the election of those who will enact responsible public policy and open the doors of opportunity for all citizens elevates those whom our Savior called "the least of these" and removes physical and social barriers to the hearing and acceptance of the Good News,

BE IT, THEREFORE, HEREBY RESOLVED that the 49^th Quadrennial session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church affirms the right of every person to vote and pledges to work with all local congregations of the AME church in the United States, the  Components of the Connectional Church, AME colleges and universities, and members of the Church of Allen who are active in their local communities, to  educate and mobilize no less than eighty per cent of the eligible voters in our churches and communities, and register no fewer than 500,000 new voters, 150,000 of which will be first time, young adult voters, and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the African Methodist Episcopal Church via its Operation EMR project shall partner with People for the American Way’s Vessels project, the Congressional Black Caucus, the NAACP, the conference of National Black Churches and other like minded organizations to maximize the effectiveness of our work, so that we can follow the admonition of the Prophet Amos to let justice and righteousness flow freely.

IT IS SO RESOLVED this 30^th day of June, 2012 by the 49th Quadrennial General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

**Submitted by:  Social Action Commission (Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker)

20. AME WOMEN IN MINISTRY OFFICERS ELECTED AT THE 49^TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:

WIM Officers for 2012 - 2016

The Rev. Kimberly L. Detherage, Esq., President

The Rev. Carolyn Habersham, First Vice-President

The Rev. Francine Brookins, Second Vice President

The Rev. Erika D. Crawford, Third Vice President

The Rev. Dr. Betty Deas Clark, General Secretary

The Rev. Dr. Monica Spencer, Corresponding Secretary   

The Rev. Tyronda Howse Burgess, Financial Secretary

The Rev. Cynthia L. Harvin, Treasurer

The Rev. Pamela R. Rivera, Worship Director

The Rev. Lola S. Gresham Russell, Herstoriographer

**Submitted by the Rev. Erika D. Crawford

21. AME CHURCH DOES NOT ENDORSE POLITICAL CANDIDATES:

- The AME General Conference responds to erroneous media news story

A July 1, 2012 story posted on the  "Charisma News" website and Facebook page reported that the AME Church was threatening to withdraw support from President Barack Obama because of his stance on same sex marriage and that the AME Church was partnering with an organization called The Coalition of African American Pastors. The African Methodist Episcopal Church today seeks to set the record straight on a statement that is misinformation at best and a lie at worst.

According to Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., President of the AME Church Council of Bishops, "As a denomination, we do not endorse candidates for any political office.  As such, we cannot "withdraw" support from President Obama because we cannot endorse any candidate for political office and did not endorse the President.  No organization has been authorized to speak for the AME Church."  Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chairperson of the AME Church's Commission on Social Action said, "Contrary to the report, neither the AME Church nor its leadership is involved with or partnering with the Coalition of African-American Pastors."

We also condemn those who attached the good name of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to an effort to sow discord and misinformation.  The story in Charisma News bore a sad and striking resemblance to other stories that either stretch or totally abandon the truth in an effort to divide and conquer the African-American community.

As a denomination born in the struggle for equality, we condemn any effort to discourage voters or to lead voters astray through misinformation.  The AME Church Social Action Commission will instead continue to encourage all citizens, and especially those touched by our churches, to register and exercise their right to vote.  

"We call upon Charisma News and those who furnished this erroneous story to their website to immediately rescind the story.  Should that not be done, we will immediately seek possible remedies to correct the situation," said Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr., President of the General Board of the AME Church.

In the Episcopal Address to the worldwide church, the Bishops of the Church said, "We call upon each of our congregants to become registered and vote on Election Day...and urge all of our churches to conduct voter registration drives".  Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the AME Church, said, "We shall continue to advocate for the well being of all humankind, so that they can freely hear the liberating Gospel of Jesus the Christ.

22. GENERAL CONFERENCE MEMORIAL SERVICE HONORED DECEASED BISHOPS, GENERAL OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORS 2008 -2012:

Deceased Bishops

Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand

Bishop Hamel Hartford Brookins

Bishop James Haskell Mayo

Bishop Vernon Randolph Byrd

Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr.

Deceased General Officers

Dr. Sherman L. Greene, Jr.

Dr. John W. P. Collier, Jr.

Dr. Robert H. Reid, Jr.

Dr. Cecil Howard

Deceased Supervisors

Mrs. Theodora Mayo

Mrs. Irene Reid

Mrs. Susie Thomas

Mrs. Yvonne Kawimbe

23. CHRIST OUR REDEEMER (COR) CHURCH, IRVINE HOSTED CHRISTIAN MEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE:

Christ Our Redeemer (COR) Church, Irvine, hosted a Christian Men’s Leadership Conference June 16 and 17. Saturday morning guest speaker Rev. Dr. Gerald Kisner of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, West Palm Beach, Florida led a discussion entitled, “Life, Commitment, Action,” which focused on being a responsible leader for the community and families, as well as for our young men and boys.

More than 200 youth and men gathered for weekend event sponsored by the COR Men’s Ministry to learn the keys to success in building people, teams, strong families, careers, and communities.

“This was truly an awesome, insightful event and I believed we achieved our goal to offer a learning environment for men and boys to achieve success in every field of human endeavor,” said Pastor Mark E. Whitlock II.

 

The excitement continued on Father’s Day as our men were saluted during a special ceremony where they received a COR Academy Award representing their importance not only to their immediate families, but to their church family as well.

“Not only did we recognize those who are fathers, but also the men who stand in as fathers and those, who one day want, become fathers.  So many men give without the prospect of praise, repayment, or recognition. Fathers suffer and sacrifice for the greater self, found in family,” stated Pastor Whitlock.

“Thank you, fathers, for loving us. It does not take a father of honor to make a baby, but it takes an honorable father to raise a baby a father makes.”

Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, located at 46 Maxwell, Irvine. For information about its ministries and activities, call (949) 955-0014 or visit www.corchurch.org.

24. AMEC, WYCLIFFE JOIN TOGETHER IN GREAT COMMISSION FOCUS:

USA (MNN) ― The African Methodist Episcopal Church has possibly been through more pain and growth than any other American church denomination in the past 200 years. And this year, they want to focus that all in on reaching the rest of the globe with the Gospel.

Today is day seventh of the 49^th Quadrennial General Conference for the 190-year old AMEC, the oldest African American church denomination in existence. This year's June 27-July 4 conference is host to 20,000 people, including, U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama as a keynote speaker, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Wycliffe Bible Translators is honored to have been the only Christian mission organization invited to the Assembly to move participants toward a new goal.

"[AMEC's] motivation is to establish global mission as a primary goal for their denomination," explains Wycliffe's Don Erickson, who has been speaking at the conference.

Being able to focus globally is a significant milestone for a denomination that's come against so many obstacles. Erickson points out, "Through institutional racism over the past 2+ centuries, the African American church was prohibited from participating in global mission."

The AMEC members have sustained everything from slavery to civil rights abuses within the body of Christ over the last two centuries. But the denomination has overcome so significantly that they're now able to focus more and more attention on spreading the Good News to every corner of the earth.

"[They] are now saying they want to be active partners in global mission, not simply local mission--which has been their focus up to this point," explains Erickson.

Wycliffe's translation work is an important way to help meet those global mission goals. "You cannot plant a church and sustain it without the translated Word. You can't evangelize sustainably without the translated Word. And they've understood that," says Erickson.

During the General Conference, Wycliffe's goal is to help broaden the understanding for the need of Bible translation and potentially even open more people to the idea of joining in the work God's doing through Wycliffe.

During the last couple days of the conference, Erickson asks you to pray.

"[Pray that] the folks that are participating in this conference will hear the call of the Holy Spirit to join this global work, and that they will see their necessity in the work. We cannot do this without them."

25. ON CAPITOL HILL, YOUR STORY MATTERS:

By Bishop Don Williams

June 25, 2012

Your voice is valuable in addressing issues of hunger and poverty. Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us to “Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Charity is extremely valuable in addressing the grave needs of local communities, but I believe this verse empowers us to use our voices to communicate to our lawmakers. With the stroke of a pen, policies are enacted that dramatically affect people in need, but YOU can also impact change through legislative advocacy.

Take 21-year-old Kiara Irvin of Little Rock, AR. She and her brother were raised by a single mother, as their father was incarcerated. For a period of time, they relied on food stamps to make ends meet—but the food stamps were never enough to get them through the month. When the food stamps ran out, Irvin and her brother received benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). “When the WIC benefits kicked in, we were excited because we could buy things like milk for our cereal and eggs to make egg sandwiches,” she said.

Propelled by her personal experience and strong Christian beliefs, Irvin was moved to participate in Bread for the World’s Hunger Justice Leaders training, which was held June 9-12 in Washington, DC. At the training, she joined other young leaders from 26 states and 16 denominations to learn about the root causes of hunger and poverty and to explore the biblical foundations for anti-hunger advocacy.

Irvin learned that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps)—the very program that supported her family in their time of need—is under attack as Congress works to balance the budget. SNAP currently serves nearly 49 million Americans. It is designed to respond to periods of increased need caused by economic downturns. Deep cuts to the program would result in millions of families being pushed off the roles.

After learning about threats to SNAP and other programs that are vital to hungry and poor people across the United States and around the world, Irvin and the other Hunger Justice Leaders set out to lobby their members of Congress on June 12.

“I’ve had personal experience with these programs, and I felt that it was my responsibility as a Christian to do what I can to protect them for other people in need,” Irvin said.

Whether you have had a personal experience with hunger or poverty, seen it in your community, or simply care about the issues, your voice matters to your lawmakers. Simply speak from your heart and you can make a difference.

Irvin is majoring in criminal justice, with a minor in speech communications at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Bishop Don DiXon Williams is racial/ethnic outreach associate at Bread for the World, and bishop of ecumenical and political affairs at United Way of the Cross Church of Christ, Danville, VA.

26. PBS STATIONS SHOWINGS’ SCHEDULE THIS WEEK OF THE ON-TARGET 2012 DOCUMENTARY, "ENDGAME: AIDS IN BLACK AMERICA": 

www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/

This site links to on-line streaming and local scheduled times for PBS stations showings this week of the on-target 2012 documentary,"Endgame: AIDS in Black America."  To view on line or find the next TV broadcast, follow the link, find and click on the title of the documentary.

It is a must see for any informed American, especially AMEs-- as a people who are fresh from a historical General Conference. This is the conference during which young adults were lifted up for discipleship and the pioneering Dr. M. Joan Cousin was recognized by our denomination for her compassionate and visionary long-term work with HIV/AIDS.

Would you please watch and also share with The Christian Recorder readers? The documentary content fit with the annual National HIV Testing Day just past in June and with recent FDA approval of a soon to be available over-the-counter HIV rapid test kit for home use. All these undergird reasons we as a community of empowered people can move forward towards eliminating HIV/AIDS and its impacts. It starts by each person getting tested to know whether we are HIV- or HIV+, and what to do to live regardless of the HIV status.

Submitted by Dr. A. Oveta Fuller, Associate Professor, Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

27. THE 17^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF THE SERIES OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:

Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Presiding Prelate

Mrs. Carol I. Messiah, Episcopal Supervisor

SOUTH EAST ZAMBIA CONFERENCE

Date: 08^th -12^th Aug. 2012

Host Church:  Ebenezer A. M. E. Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. M.Y. Gondwe

Host P.E.: The Rev. P.M. Chilukuta

Lusaka

SOUTH WEST ZAMBIA CONFERENCE

Date: 15^th – 19^th Aug. 2012

Host Church: Richard Allen A.M.E. Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. T.C. Siulapwa

Host P.E.: The Rev. W. Walima

Ndola

NORTH WEST ZAMBIA CONFERENCE

Date: 22^nd – 26^th Aug. 2012

Host Church: Thomas A. M. E. Church

Host Pastor:  The Rev. K. Mwitwa

Host P.E.: Rev. J. Chiwele

Mansa

NORTH EAST ZAMBIA CONFERENCE

Date: 29^th Aug. – 02^nd Sep. 2012

Host Church:  Solomon A. M. E. Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. K. Mazimba

Host P.E.: The Rev. F. Sichilima

Kasama

ZAMBEZI CONFERENCE

Date: 12^th —16^th Sep. 2012

Host Church:  Allen A.M.E. Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. K. Kabambo

Host P.E.: The Rev.  D. Kapepa

Solwezi

KATANGA CONFERENCE

Date: 21^st —23^rd Sep. 2012

Host Church: Allen A.M.E. Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. Eime Kabwe

Host P.E.: The Rev. K. Tshinyemba

Lubumbashi

EASTERN AFRICA CONFERENCE

Date: October 21^st -23^rd 2012

Host Church: Bethel A.M.E Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. Moses O. Achola

Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Moses Achola

Nakuru

MBUJI MAYI / TSHIKAPA CONFERENCE

Date: 19^th —21^st Mar, 2013

Host Church: Bipemba A.M.E. Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. David Kasongo

Host P.E.: The Rev. F. Kapiamba

Bipemba

KANANGA CONFERENCE

Date:  24^th — 26^th Mar. 2013

Host Church: Demba A.M.E. Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. F. Kabasele

Host P.E.: The Rev. P. Tshilonda

Demba

CONGO RIVER CONFERENCE

Date: 28^th —30 Mar. 2013

Host Church: Cidieu A.M.E. Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. A. Mputu

Host P.E.: The Rev. A. Mputu

Lembi

BURUNDI CONFERENCE

Date: 12^th —14^th Apr. 2013

Host Church: Chinama A.M.E. Church

Host Pastor: The Rev. R. Niyonzima

Host P.E.: The Rev. R. Niyonzima

Bujumbura

GREAT LAKES CONFERENCE

Date: 17^th – 19^th April, 2013

Host Church: A.M.E. Church (TBA)

Host Pastor: The Rev. (TBA)

Host P.E.: The Rev. C. Bamba

Bukavu

28. THE 18^th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2012 SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:

Bishop John White, Presiding Prelate

Mrs. Penny H. White, Episcopal Supervisor

MOZAMBIQUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Date: 

20-23 September 2012

Venue:

Xai-Xai District                  

Address:

Manjacaze, Gaza

Host Pastor:

The Rev. Pedro Mahute       

Contacts:

00258 825400858

Host Presiding Elder:

The Rev. Pedro Mahute

WMS Convention:

Wednesday, 19 September 2012

BOTSWANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Date: 4-6 October 2012

VENUE: 

Hukuntsi District

Address:

P.O. Box 252

Hukuntsi, Botswana

Host Pastor: 

The Rev. Nathane Moumakwa

Contacts:

+267 71588834

Host Church                : 

Modirwa Moncho AME Church

Host Presiding Elder: 

The Rev. Judge Thage (tlhagejudge@yahoo.com)

WMS Convention:

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

SWAZILAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Date: 

12, 13, 14, 15 October 2012

Venue: 

Labotsibeni Memorial AME Church                 

Address: 

Box 34 Manzini, Swaziland                   

Host Pastor: 

The Rev. A.B. Thwala  bafana149@yahoo.co.uk

Contacts: 

(+268) 76051854

Host Presiding Elder: 

The Rev. A.B. Thwala  bafana149@yahoo.co.uk

WMS Convention: 

Wednesday, 10 October 2012

NORTHEAST LESOTHO ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Date: 

25-28 October 2012

Venue: 

Allen Temple                                             

Address:

P.O. Box 191                     

Mokhotlong 500

Host Pastor: 

The Rev. I.S. Morahanye                      

Contacts    :

 (+266) 63038554              

Host Presiding Elder: 

The Rev. I.S. Morahanye

Contact: 

(+266) 36038554                       

WMS Convention: 

Wednesday 24 October 2012

LESOTHO ANNUAL CONFERENCES

Date:

29, November – 1, 2 December 2012                     

Venue:    

McKenzie AME Church                  

Address:   

P.O. Box 870

Mafeteng 900, Lesotho

Host Pastor:  

The Rev. Mokhohlane Mmokhohlane@Yahoo.Com

P.O. Box 7354, Maseru 100

Contacts: 

59885042

Host Presiding Elder: 

The Rev. M.M. Mofo Mofo@Lsrc.Org.Ls

Contact: 

(00266) 58865378

WMS Convention:

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

PLANNING MEETING AND YPD CONVENTION BOTSWANA

Date:

12,13,14,15 December 2012

Planning Meeting and YPD’ers Convention

Venue: Botswana

Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Mpho Moruakgomo

Contact: (+267) 71320661 mmoruakhgomo@botsnet.nw

29. MEDITATION BASED ON MATTHEW 6:5-13:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

The AME Church’s recent General Conference was held in Nashville, Tennessee’s Gaylord Opryland Hotel - a huge place with restaurants, resort facilities, shopping, gardens and a Convention Center under the same roof.  Our stay at the Gaylord was made easier by a unique feature of the hotel’s phone system.

Each phone had a button with a “smiley face” that connected to a hotel service called “Consider it done.”  If you had questions about restaurants, hotel services, parking or hotel bus schedules or if you were just lost - which happened a lot - you could pick up the phone, tap the “smiley face” button and connect with helpful hotel employees who offered useful answers and began and ended each conversation by saying, “Consider it done!”

The Gaylord’s “Consider it done” service made me think of my childhood, when some telephones were on “party lines” shared by multiple users who often had to wait their turn to make a call.  A customer who needed to make an urgent call, however, could ask the telephone operator to put them on the “main line” so that the call would go through immediately.

Both the Gaylord Opryland Hotel’s “consider it done” line and the old “main line” offered  reassurance that you could immediately get in touch and find the answers or assistance you needed.  Prayer works the same way.

All of us sometimes face tough choices and challenges in life, get caught up in keeping up with daily demands and can easily feel lost, alone and overwhelmed.  Life can pose difficult and confusing questions, but even in our fast paced and technical world, Jesus is still the answer.  Because of the grace of our Savior, we have access to the God who created us, knows us better than we know ourselves and knows what we need before we ask for it.  Regardless of the situation, we can always go to God in prayer and find new strength, new encouragement and new determination to face life knowing that we never walk alone.

Take the time each day - and more than once a day - to step away from life’s demands and go to God in prayer.  Regardless of the need, you can consider it done and be assured that an old Gospel song from my childhood is still true - “Jesus is on the main line, tell Him what you want.”

 If you are in the Charleston, South Carolina area this weekend, please join us on Sunday for Church School at 9:45 am and for Worship at 8 and 11 am.  The Eight O’clock Choir will offer praise at 8 a.m. and the Combined Choir and Generation of Praise will offer praise at 11 a.m.  We’ll also have Instrumental Praise at 11 am by Joshua Bryan, saxophone Section Leader for South Carolina State University’s Marching 101 Band.

           

Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:

I Samuel 16:1-13

Acts 9:10-16

Luke 5:1-11

Sunday’s Sermons are:

8 .am.    “Trust God’s Judgment”

11 a.m.  “Depend on God’s Vision”

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

30. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

- The Reverend Katurah York Cooper receives Doctor of Ministry Degree with Honors

The Reverend Katurah York Cooper - Pastor and Founder of the Empowerment Temple African Methodist Church & Dean of the Bryant Theological Seminary Receives Doctor of Ministry Degree with Honors

On Saturday, May 19, 2012, the Asbury Theological Seminary of Wilmore, Kentucky was pleased to confer on the Reverend Katurah York Cooper the Doctor of Ministry Degree.  Dr. Katurah York Cooper is the first African woman to enroll and complete the Doctor of Ministry in the Beeson International Leaders Program. Dr. Cooper was also awarded the "Faculty's Distinguished Dissertation Award for Excellence in Research in Pastoral Ministry" in recognition of the Doctor of Ministry graduate who has submitted the outstanding dissertation-project for that year. The Reverend Doctor Katurah York Cooper is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Third Vice-President of the Connectional Women in Ministry of the AME Church.

Dr. Cooper taught for several years at the Monrovia College and Industrial Training School and the University of Liberia. 

She presently resides in her native country Liberia (14th Episcopal District) where she is the Dean of John R. Bryant Theological Seminary of the AME University serving as its first female Dean, and the Pastor/Founder of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Liberia.  To God Be the Glory!

Congratulatory greetings may be sent to katu.cooper2012@gmail.com

- Karina Ariel Taylor received Her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Florida State University

On April 27, 2012, Miss Karina Ariel Taylor received her B.A. degree in Classics/Classical Literature from Florida State University. She is the daughter of the Rev. Atticus T. Taylor and Mrs. Kathy A. Patterson Taylor of Saint Johns, FL. Rev. Atticus T. Taylor is the Director of Counseling at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida and a Retired Lt. Cmdr / Navy Chaplain. Karina intends to pursue a Masters degree in International Studies either at FSU or at an out-of-state institution. She graduated High School with a 4.0 GPA from Bartram Trail High School in Saint Johns, FL near Jacksonville. She serves as a Youth Leader-Spirit Church at Saint Stephen AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida where the Rev Michael L. Mitchell serves as senior pastor.

- Kathy A. Patterson Taylor received Her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University Of Phoenix

On May 31, 2012, Mrs. Kathy A. Taylor received her B. S. degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. She is the wife of 29 years of the Rev. Atticus T. Taylor, Director of Counseling at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida and who is a retired Lt. Cmdr / Navy Chaplain. Mrs. Kathy A. Taylor also majored in Child Development at Boston University in Boston, MA and now intends to pursue a teaching career with the school system in North Florida. She serves as a Christian Education Worker-Spirit Church and an active member of the WMS at Saint Stephen AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida where the Rev Michael L. Mitchell is the senior pastor.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to: Karina and Kathy: att2kat3@aol.com 

- Update-Payne Theological Seminary 2012 Graduating Class

The Rev. Keith Sanders Keith received the Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary and is from the 8th Episcopal District.

- Khalilah McLemore Ziegler Graduated From Argosy University, Summa Cum Laude Honors

Khalilah McLemore Ziegler, daughter of Presiding Elder and Mrs. James McLemore, Pittsburgh Annual Conference, Third Episcopal District, graduated on June 21, 2012 from Argosy University, Atlanta, Georgia with a Master's Degree in Management, a 3.73 GPA and with Summa Cum Laude Honors. Khalilah attends Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, PA where the Rev. Dr. Steven Jackson is the pastor.

- Tony Demarco Hansberry II Honoree Of The 2012 365Black Awards Of MCDONALD'S USA

Tony DeMarco Hansberry II, twin son of Mrs. Kathi Sloan Hansberry, District Consultant, Suwannee-North District and the Rev. Tony DeMarco Hansberry, Presiding Elder, Suwannee-North District, Eleventh Episcopal District, is one of the honorees of the 2012 365 Black Awards of McDonald's USA. Tony Hansberry, II is a recent high school graduate who invented a surgical technique - while in high school - that reduces the risk of infection after a hysterectomy.

31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Katie Theola Mitchell, mother of the Rev. Vincent Floyd Mitchell, Presiding Elder of the North District-South Conference, 11^th Episcopal District, the Rev. Larry Darnell Mitchell, Robert Lewis Mitchell, Delbra Lewis and Valencia Green.  Sister Mitchell went to be with the Lord on July 3, 2012.

Services for Sister Katie Theola Mitchell:

Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

St. Paul A.M.E. Church

1892 N.W. 51st Terrace

Miami, Florida 33142

305.374.3720

Reverend Robert Jackson III

The family will received guest

On Friday Evening at St. Paul's Church

At 6:00 p.m.

Professional Services Entrusted to:

Richardson Funeral Home

4500 NW 17^th Ave

Miami, Florida 33142

Phone: (305) 634-4528

Expressing of Condolences may be sent to

Presiding Elder Vincent Mitchell

13931 Cranberry Ct.

Wellington, Fl 33142

Phone: (561) 791-1993

Phone: (561) 398-6236

vmitchell4@comcast.net

32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Marion W. H. Tyson, widow of the Rev. Dr. Albert Tyson Jr., and mother of Presiding Elder Albert D. Tyson, III, Presiding Elder, North District-Chicago Conference of the Fourth Episcopal District, Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate.  Sister Marion W. H. Tyson went to be with the Lord on July 4, 2012, Independence Day.

Mrs. Marion W. H. Tyson was the widow of the late Rev. Dr. Albert D. Tyson Jr.  The daughter of a former General Officer (The Reverend Dr. Fred A. Hughes), she was a Life-Member of the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church, a former Episcopal District YPD Director of the First Episcopal District and a member of Conn-M-SWAWO + PK's. Mrs. Marion Tyson was the loving mother of Presiding Elder Albert D. Tyson, III, Presiding Elder, North District-Chicago Conference of the Fourth Episcopal District, Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate; the Rev. Margaret V. L. Tyson, Pastor of Trinity AME Church, Pittsburgh, PA, Third Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate; Frederick L. Tyson, Ph. D., Durham, NC and Mark Allen Tyson (deceased)

Mrs. Marion W. H. Tyson went to be with the Lord on July 4, 2012, Independence Day. She resided in Warren, Ohio where she was a member of Grace AME Church.

Services for Mrs. Marion W. H. Tyson:

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Visitation: 9:00 am -10:45 am

Homegoing Celebration: 11 am

Grace AME Church

1137 Main Avenue

Warren, OH 44483

Services are entrusted to:

Sibley-Murray-Ferrebee Funeral Home

1307 North Park Avenue

Warren, OH 44483

Phone: 330-0394-3601

Fax: 330-394-3601

Email sibley-murray@neo.rr.com.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family of Marion W. H. Tyson, care of Sibley-Murray-Ferrebee Funeral Home (address above).

Or to:

Presiding Elder Albert D. Tyson, III & Family

P.O. Box 12559

Chicago, IL 60612

Email: adtysoniii@aol.com

The Rev. Margaret V. L. Tyson & Family

8401 Squires Lane NE

Warren, OH 44485

(330) 856-3773

Email: rev.margaret1@gmail.com

Dr. Frederick L. Tyson & Family

PO Box 13543

Durham, NC 27709-3543

33. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are sadden to announce the passing of Mrs. Carolyn J. Burgess, the widow of the late Reverend Braxton V. Burgess, Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society, former Episcopal District President, Fourth Episcopal District, former Conference Branch President, Michigan Conference. Mrs. Burgess was presently living in Detroit, Michigan, where she was a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Detroit, Pastor David Jarrett, She was a member of the South District, Presiding Elder Norman V. Osborne, and the Fourth Episcopal District, Presiding Prelate the Right Reverend John R. Bryant.

Mrs. Burgess made her transition on Friday, July 6, 2012, at Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. The Celebration of Life Services will be held, 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 15, 2012 at Bethel AME Church, Detroit, with the Reverend David Jarrett officiating. The Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Omega Omega Services will be held on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. prior to the Celebration of Life Services.

Arrangements are entrusted to:

T M Hughes-Perry Mortuary, LLC

140 Capital Avenue Northeast

Battle Creek, Michigan 49017

Telephone: 269/964-3775

Facsimile: 269/964-6897

Condolences may be sent to her son:

Mr. John Twitty

P.O. Box 361

Blacklick, Ohio 43004

34. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Richard L. Corpening, pastor of St Stephen AME Church, Liberty, NC, Western North Carolina Conference, Second Episcopal District. The Reverend Richard L. Corpening transitioned into the arms of God on Thursday, July 5, 2012. While the family is saddened by this loss, Reverend Corpening had a life full of love, purpose and impact that will live on without end. For this, they celebrate the legacy that remains. April 6, 1951 - July 5, 2012, I will bless the Lord at all times...Psalm 31:1

Funeral Arrangements and service details for Reverend Richard L. Corpening:

Family visitation:

Sunday, July 8, 2012 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM

St Stephen AME Church

705 S. Kirkman St.

Liberty, NC 27298

Public viewing:

Monday, July 9, 2012 from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM 

Long & Sons Mortuary Service

2312 Beatties Ford Rd

Charlotte, NC 28216

Phone (704) 394-1111

Homegoing celebration: 30-minute visitation prior to service

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 1:30 PM

Greater Bethel AME Church

5232 The Plaza

Charlotte NC 28215

Phone: (704) 566-9000

Fax: (704) 566-9001

gboffice@carolina.rr.com

Committal Details:

The Reverend Corpening will be laid to rest Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144.

Lodging Option:

Quality Inn

9840 Pineville Matthews Road

Pineville, NC 28134

(704) 889-7095

Group Rate: $72 per night rate is available under the name of Lori Corpening

The family will receive guest at their home:

8320 Castlekeep Rd.

Charlotte, NC 28226

Phone:  (704) 341-5980

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. Stephen AME Church Scholarship Fund in memory of the Reverend Richard L. Corpening.

35. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mr. James Purvis Shipman, father-in-law of the Reverend Larry Stanwyck Hinton, Presiding Elder of the Great North District-North Carolina Annual Conference, Second Episcopal District and the father of Mrs. J. Faye Shipman Hinton, First Lady of the Great North District of the North Carolina Annual Conference. Mr. James Purvis Shipman, age 89 passed away on the morning of June 26th.

The funeral was held on Monday, July 2, 2012 at Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Presiding Elder and Mrs. (J. Faye) Larry Stanwyck Hinton

P.O. Box 335

Clayton, North Carolina 27528

36. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Eugene Davis, the brother of the Rev. Ruby Lowe and the Rev. Mary F. Davis.

The late Mr. Eugene Davis’ brother, the Rev. Lowe is the pastor of Roberts Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Atlantic Beach, Florida on the Suwannee-North District of the East Conference. His sister, the Rev. Mary F. Davis is the pastor of Greater New Hope AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida on the South District of the East Conference.

The wake was held on Friday - June 22nd and the funeral service was held Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Greater New Hope AME Church in Jacksonville Florida.

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

Ora L. Easley, Administrator

AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net  

Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/  

Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)

Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)

Cell: (615) 403-7751

BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220  

38. 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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