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 – SOMETIMES
IT GOOD TO HANG AROUND AND LISTEN:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The General Conference has come and gone. We are now into 2012
-2016 and marching to the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General
Conference. And, yes, I know that we don’t want to hear about the next General
Conference right now because we are trying to regroup and get rested from GC49;
GC50 will be upon us soon enough!
There are some residuals from GC49, namely getting The Discipline published and sorting out
all of the legislative actions of GC49 and people are still talking about GC49
and how efficient the general conference functioned.
People are still talking and that's a good thing. People are
nostalgic and they are talking about the massive venue of the General
Conference. People are also talking about some the legislative items; some were
passed, some were voted down and still others did not “make the cut.”
People, both clergy and
laity will continue to talk
Shortly after the General Conference had adjourned, I heard
several pastors talking about the proposed legislation that dealt with cluster
quarterly conferences and the duties of presiding elders. I was anxious to hear
their comments because The Christian
Recorder had dealt with the issue of cluster quarterly conferences and the
importance of presiding elders functioning effectively as middle managers.
I didn’t say anything, I
just listened
One pastor said, “Cluster quarterly conferences are useless and
pastors and church members feel that cluster quarterly conferences are held for
the convenience of presiding elders.”
Another pastor responded, “A postage stamp could resolve the
issue if convenience is the motivation for cluster quarterly conferences;
churches could just mail their reports to the presiding elder and it would be
convenient for everybody.”
Several other folks
joined the conversation
A couple of more pastors and a leading lay member joined in the
discussion and a presiding elder also stood near the group.
I thought maybe I should move away; I didn’t want to get drawn
into a heated discussion about presiding elders. I have the highest respect for
presiding elders and feel that their duties, if executed properly, lend much to
the efficient functioning of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. But, I
listened. As the Editor of The Christian Recorder, I am like
preachers who are always on the lookout for comments or ideas that would help
them with sermons; I am always on the lookout for editorial ideas
So, I listened
The layperson joined in the conversation and said, “The Discipline does not provide for
cluster quarterly conferences and they shouldn’t be held because churches don’t
like to ‘air their dirty laundry’ in public. The Connectional Lay
Organization’s proposed legislation that dealt with cluster quarterly
conference really wasn’t necessary because there is no authority to hold
cluster quarterly conferences.
Another preacher added, “There is only one legitimate question
that needs to be addressed at the quarterly conference and that’s, ’Are their
any appeals?’” He went on to say, “In
any quarterly conference, if the answer to that question is ‘No,’ then the
reports could be turned in and everybody could go home.”
The layperson responded, “We waste too much time in quarterly
conferences; and our presiding elder complains about low attendance at the
quarterly conferences held at our church.”
I have told him over and over again that people are busy and they don’t
have a couple of hours to waste at a quarterly conference that should be able
to take care of its business in less then 30 minutes.”
Another preacher chimed in and said, “And, what about the
District Conference and the Sunday School Convention where it’s set up like an
annual conference. We have to stand and rise for the presiding elder and have
to rise when his wife is introduced. I am telling you; our district conference,
Sunday School Convention and our cluster quarterly conferences feel like a
mini- annual conference.”
The presiding elder standing nearby walked over and joined in
the conversation. “I hear people talk
about how people don’t attend the quarterly conference. You don’t need a lot of
people at a quarterly conference; just need the ‘faithful few’ who accept the
responsibility and give of their time for the church,” he said. He went on to say, I have never held a
cluster quarterly conference and I don’t hold long quarterly conferences
because I have a busy schedule too.” I
thought the presiding elder was going to say something else, but he didn’t.
It was hot and the
conversation was getting hotter
I decided that I had better make an exit and keep moving. I didn’t think it was appropriate for me to
join in the conversation since I am not a pastor.
And, just when I was about to turn and walk away, the layman
called out, “Mr. Editor, what’s your take on cluster quarterly conferences and
what do you think presiding elders should do?” He went on to add, “I bet you
can smell an editorial and I want to read it; so, we may as well get your take
on all of this.” The group laughed.
I was trapped
I should have walked away at the beginning of the conversation,
but I really was trying to “snuff out” an editorial or as least pick up an
editorial “seed.”
I tried to “weasel” out of answering with, “You all have made
some great points and I think the AME Church needs to really examine the role
of presiding elders.”
A preacher I had known for years interrupted my hesitant
response and said, “Come on now, tell me, what is the role of a presiding
elder? I thought that I wanted to be a
presiding elder, but I am not sure. The job description for a presiding elder
looks good in The Discipline; but I
am not sure the job description and the actual work of the presiding elder are
consistent with each other. And, I believe most bishops keep presiding elders
on a short leash. ”
Before I could respond, another preacher said, “I know that you
taught a class on leadership at the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and
I am sorry that I didn’t get a chance to attend the class…there were so many
things going on and …I didn’t attend your class. Here is my question and I know
you are busy and need to get back to work, but if you were teaching a class for
presiding elders; in a nutshell, what would be the core-focus of your
presentation on the duties of presiding elders?
I thought to myself, I wish that he had taken the opportunity to
sit in my leadership seminar at the HU Ministers’ Conference.
Looks like I am going to
have to get engaged in this conversation
I responded, “I was not planning to get into this conversation,
but let me say, “I believe that the organization of the AME Church and the
office of presiding elder functioning as middle managers was genius and when
the system works efficiently in concert with the episcopacy, we have a system
that’s second-to-none.”
“Presiding elders need to function as middle managers; they
should not see themselves as episcopal leaders. Presiding elders need to be
clear in their minds about the scope of their duties; and pastors and bishops
need to understand the roles and functions of presiding elders, which in my
mind means valuing their recommendations. I advocate for connectional training
for presiding elders and their spouses.”
“If I were leading a seminar, I would distinguish the
differences between the leaders (bishops) and managers (presiding elders).”
“Simply stated, the bishop is the leader and the bishop is in
charge! The religious program is the
bishop’s responsibility. We rise to recognize the presiding prelate’s presence
because he or she is the leader.”
“The presiding elder is not a ‘little bishop,’ the presiding
elder is a facilitator for pastors. It
is the responsibility of the presiding elder to insure the success of the
pastors they manage.”
“Presiding elders have the responsibility to insure that pastors
have what they need to be productive and successful. They should facilitate and
ensure that pastors have minimal roadblocks; and when pastors need help,
presiding elders should be ‘standing the gap’ to provide assistance.”
“Presiding elders should also identify and groom exemplary
pastors for the next level of ministry and should insure that effective pastors
are recognized for their accomplishments. Presiding elders should coach pastors
through their pastoral and personal challenges; they should, motivate, mentor
and coach pastors and be supportive of their ministry.”
In a nutshell those are my thoughts. And, let me add, “Preacher
selected to serve in the prestigious office of presiding elder should be
ministers who have had exemplary service in pastoral ministry and who love the
pastoral ministry.
The preacher who had known me for years, said, “Yes Sir!
Colonel; and I expect to read your editorial about the duties of presiding
elders.” And just like that, the
conversation ended.
Anyway, I did get an editorial from the conversation and I am
glad that I decided to hang around and listen.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- Message from TCR Editor
RE: Thursday, August 2, 2012 TCR Online Editorial– “I Have Decided to Share This Week’s
Project,”
When using handheld device in leading the ritual for The Lord’s Supper,
clean the device and use a clean handkerchief to cover the device
I went over
process in my mind and in the interest of sanitation recommend if clergy use an
electronic device when leading the service of The Lord’s Supper that they clean the device and use a clean
handkerchief to cover the device
3. THE 2012 – 2016
QUADRENNIAL THEME - COUNCIL OF BISHOPS:
FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION
THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
2013 - THE GOAL OF
DISCIPLESHIP
“Therefore
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19 - 20
2014 - THE COST OF
DISCIPLESHIP
Then he called the crowd to him along with his
disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my
disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For
whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses
their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone
to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8: 34-36
2015 - THE EVIDENCE OF DISCIPLESHIP
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you
must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if
you love one another.” John 13:34 – 35
2016 - THE HARVEST OF
DISCIPLESHIP
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the
harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9:37 – 38
THE FRUIT OF DISCIPLESHIP
“I am the
vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear
much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (John
15:1-5.
Quadrennial Theme Committee
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Chair
Approved by COB
Friday, December 3, 2010
4. THE
REV. DR. MARK TYLER'S
PRAYER – “IT TAKES JUST ONE…”:
The Rev.
Dr. Mark Tyler, the 52nd Pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church
delivered the invocation before First Lady Michelle Obama spoke in Philadelphia
yesterday, Thursday, August 9, 2012.
Click here to view the
video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkjWMC-2tnE&sns=fb
5. A BIT
OF AME HISTORY SHARED BY THE REV. DR. MARK TYLER, PASTOR OF MOTHER BETHEL AME
CHURCH:
Click Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVTf4ZR6XUo
6. MRS. CAROL
BROWN-CLARKE GIVES A “SHOUT-OUT” TO THE JAMAICANS ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON:
"I want to lift up are Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake,
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Veronica Campbell Brown who have excelled; also
Veronica Campbell-Brown, who I personally know. There are many Jamaicans who
are doing well in the Olympics and I just want everyone to know that we are so
proud of our athletes from Jamaica; and African Methodism is alive and well in
Jamaica."
Mrs. Carol Brown-Clarke, the WMS President of the Jamaica
Conference and is a member of Moores AME in Clarendon, Jamaica.
7. AME
ITINERANT ELDER, THE REV. KAREN BENNETT NEWLY ELECTED FOR GEORGIA STATE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (DISTRICT 94)
The Rev.
Karen Bennett, pastor of New Hope AME Church in Hoschton in the Augusta
Conference of the Sixth Episcopal District is a newly elected Georgia State
House Representative. The GOP leadership redrew lines for voting districts in
Georgia and that resulted in a new Democratic District 94 which
included parts of Dekalb and Gwinnett Counties.
There
were four challengers vying for this new district and the Rev. Bennett won
63% of the votes with all 15 of 15 precincts reporting as per the Atlanta
Journal Constitution newspaper edition of August 2, 2012.
The Rev.
Bennett is married to Mr. Lee Bennett and they are the parents of two college
aged children Jabari and Asha. She also serves as the Women In Ministry
Co-coordinator of the Augusta-Athens District. The Rev. Bennett now joins the
Rev. Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler who is also an AME serving in the Georgia State
House.
Submitted
by the Rev. Velma E. Grant, M.Div, Th.M
8. AME
CLERGYMAN, THE REV. HAROLD LOVE ELECTED TENNESSEE STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE:
The Rev.
Harold Moses Love, Jr. wins the Democratic Nomination for the 58th
District of the Tennessee House of Representatives. He is the Pastor of
St. Paul AME Church and serves on the State of Tennessee Commission on Children
and Youth and is the 2nd Vice-President of the Nashville Branch of
the NAACP. The Rev. Love was endorsed by the major regional paper "The Tennessean" and the
Tennessee Educators Association. His father, Mr. Harold Moses Love, Sr.
served as a State Representative for many years.
The Rev.
Love defeated long-time incumbent Mary Pruitt. Steven Turner, a member of
Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee and candidate for the seat in
2010 came in third.
The Rev. Harold Moses Love, Jr. is unopposed in the November General Election. His website is http://loveinthehouse58th.com/
The Rev. Harold Moses Love, Jr. is unopposed in the November General Election. His website is http://loveinthehouse58th.com/
**Submitted
by Mr. John Thomas III
9. ANNUAL CLO YOUNG ADULT
REPRESENTATIVE RETREAT:
*Walter C. Jeffers – YAR, Philadelphia Conference (1st
Episcopal District)
Lay Organization Young Adult Representatives (YARs) from across
the connectional church gathered under the leadership of Connectional YAR John
Thomas III and Connectional Director of Lay Activities Edith Cartledge for
their 3rd Annual Retreat.
The event was conceived by Connectional President, Dr. Willie C.
Glover, Jr. as a way to strengthen work of the office of the YAR as well as
foster fellowship among Young Adults working in the Lay Organization at all
levels. This year’s retreat was hosted
by the 11th Episcopal District Lay Organization under the leadership
of President Charlie Nichols, Director of Lay Activities Patricia Wright and
YAR Eboni Curry and held aboard the Carnival Imagination Cruise and
Cousin-McPhee Cathedral AME Church in Nassau, Bahamas.
Over 30 persons registered and the global nature of our
denomination was experienced not only by the location choice but by
representation from 11th Episcopal Districts—including the 17th
and 19th Episcopal Districts.
We also were privileged to have two special Connectional guests: Retired
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Retired General Officer Dr. Paulette Coleman
and Retired Elder of the United Methodist Church, the Reverend Lydia Waters.
After arriving on the ship and leaving the Port of Miami; there
was activity scheduled from beginning to end; on Friday there was the kit
distribution and orientation; which included the overview of the training and
activity scheduled for Saturday.
On Saturday morning we were led in our Morning Mediation by
Retired Bishop Guidry on “The Five Fingers of Prayer” and we had prayer and
were led in song; we also had a few of the guests on the ship to stand around
and listen in. We ought to remember that
we have the freedom to worship and praise God and let all who may worship him
come.
We arrived in Nassau, Bahamas on Saturday morning to beautiful
weather where we were greeted and transported from the Port of Nassau to
Cousin-McPhee Cathedral AME Church where the first portion of our training took
place. The presenters for the first
session were Retired Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry & Ms. Donna Williams
(member of Big Bethel AME Church, Atlanta, GA) who led an interactive training
on the subject “Not Your Parents’ Church.”
During this session the YARs were presented with a few important
questions such as “What is your connection to the Church?” and “What is needed
to keep you connected?” which allowed for the YARs to interact and share their
experiences and ideas that outlined what will work and how they would implement
workable involvement. Following this
training session we took a break to enjoy the wonderful Bahamian Lunch that was
prepared by the church.
The second session began immediately after Lunch and was
presented by Sister Lauren Bethea (3rd District) and Presiding Elder
Marcus Cylar (4th Episcopal District) and who is the youngest
Presiding Elder in the AME Church having been appointed at age 29 to lead the
Canadian Annual Conference by Bishop John R. Bryant.
The training session, “Get in Where You Fit In” was interactive
and intergenerational and dug into various problems that young adults in our
Church face. A significant problem identified was the reference of “having to
pay your dues.”
Young and seasoned adults assembled spoke about what “paying
dues” means and how sometimes this barrier may turn people away from wanting to
serve in our church. The discussion also
enabled us to recapture the fact that we serve God first—and not an institution. We also
discussed solutions that will
bring young adults to the table; some comments made included that we need to be
grounded in scripture and daily devotion; trained in the knowledge of the
church and know that we are required to reach out to those not with the walls
of the church; getting back to “The Great Commission.”
Having completed the first day of training, we entered a time of
fellowship and toured the uniquely beautiful island. We were able to stop and taste some of the
various cuisines on the before making a stop to do some shopping. We returned to the ship to enjoy dinner and
the activities aboard and in Nassau until departure the next morning.
On Sunday morning following breakfast, we assembled for
worship. This indeed was the First
Sunday and in alignment with our tradition we were lead in our Communion
Worship Service by Retired Bishop Guidry.
Bishop Guidry used for her text Matthew 16:13-16 - “Whose Church is it?”
She gave an example of directional signs on roads. She shared that some will tell you whose
church it is and the direction you need to take to get there; knowing that this
is the Lord’s Church with Jesus being the architect; that it is our church; and
it takes all of us to help the church function; and to know that the church is
for the sinners, snubbed and non-religious; and that it is Christ’s
Church. The young adults received a
powerful word!
Our final presentation was presented by Sister Starr Battle
(Corresponding Secretary—Connectional Lay Organization) and Mrs. Edith Bartley
Cartledge entitled “The Lay Organization: Life in the Matrix (From Membership
to Discipleship).” Clips from the
trilogy of “The Matrix” were used to set the foundation for an understanding of
the presentation. Sister Battle also had
each participant fill in on an index card relating various characters of the
Matrix to their faith walk in life and service in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. A significant quote
was lifted from the movie when the corrupted Agent Smith asks Neo, “Why keep
fighting?” Neo responds: “Because I
choose to.” In that same way, Young
Adults working in the AME Church—particularly the Lay Organization—have, and
continue, to fight, not only to fulfill the future promise of the Church, but
also to fulfill our work today in spite of challenges and pressures from
without (and within) the AME Church as an institution.
Sister Battle’s presentation was personal and hit close to home
because the YARs related it to what they have experienced and even some of our
seasoned adults spoke about their challenges.
Ms. Cartledge shared her statement on the presentation and one of the
most significant things she mentioned: “We are all called to be Disciples; no,
all of us won’t become ordained clergy, but our role as a Lay Leader is just as
important to the Mission of the Church.
Our Church is exposed to the world, and is not “exempt” from microscopic
examination. There are people who make a
career of criticizing the church; not just the AME Church, but all organized
churches. She said, “But, we have a head
start, we know how to evangelize; we know that we have a charge to go into the
world and make disciples of “all” nations!”
Following the training sessions, we held a brief discussion with
the YAR leadership team and a, “Where do we go from here” evaluation. We also thanked our Connectional YAR for
laying the foundation and setting the standard for the work that we have to
continue. This will be the last retreat
for Brother Thomas as he completes his term as Connectional YAR but we are most
appreciative of all that he has accomplished and experienced to ensure that the
work of the YARs will have its proper place within the Lay Organization.
We exited with prayer and the Lay Benediction to enjoy the
remainder of the Day at Sea and arrived back into the Port of Miami safely on a
cloudy Monday morning.
We left renewed to continue in service in the great ministry
that is the Lay Organization.
To God be the Glory for keeping us as we traveled across the water
and for the fellowship that we will treasure forever.
*Walter C. Jeffers is the
Editor-in-Chief of the First District Flame, the newspaper for the 1st
Episcopal District
10. A REFRESHER UPDATE ON HIV/AIDS:
*Terri
L. Silas and A. Oveta Fuller
Yes, HIV/AIDS has claimed many lives. Twenty-five million people have
died from AIDS-related complications. Approximately thirty-three million people
(that we know of) are living with HIV/AIDS; that is one in every 100 persons
alive worldwide. There are 900 new cases each year in Maricopa County in
central Arizona—yes, Arizona.
The HIV/AIDS Impact. While
focus has been on the pandemic in countries of sub-Saharan Africa, the United
States is among the highest for impact of infection and AIDS cases. To find the
prevalence (level of infection) in your state or county, go to the interactive
map at: http://aidsvu.org/map
The epidemic is part of the African-American community – right here in
our backyards. While African-Americans represent approximately 12% of the
American population, we are nearly 50% of over 1,300,000 known HIV/AIDS
diagnoses in the USA.
HIV/AIDS is no respecter of persons, economic status, age, race,
nationality or religion.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued an urgent alert for
African-Americans, especially focusing on 13 southern states. Washington, DC,
similar to several major cities, reports that 1 in 20 of its residents is
infected with HIV.
The Global Face of HIV/AIDS. The
virus has affected people on every continent. South Africa has the highest
numbers of reported HIV infections in the world.
We have lost a generation of adults-- people in their prime. The
disease leaves in its wake family and community devastation–- the elderly lose
the security expected from adult children. Young children are left to raise
younger siblings (some of whom are HIV+ themselves), with little or no
resources for food or basic daily necessities. Besides the personal loss of a
parent, hopes and dreams to complete their education and live productive lives
are dashed. Moreover, vulnerable children risk exploitation by relatives and
the basest members of communities.
In India, the perception is that women bear the brunt of the disease.
HIV is not a disease of black or brown skin. The Ukraine has high
disease incidence, due mainly to widespread use of intravenous drugs and the
sharing of needles.
What to Do. By 2012,
much has been determined in interventions and treatment to make HIV infection
preventable and AIDS a chronic disease. Meeting the UNAIDS “Getting to Zero”
goals requires widespread use of multiple biomedical developments in what is
called “Combination Prevention”.
To look the other way, avoid engaging, ignore those who are infected with
HIV/AIDS, or condemn them to the grave because of misconceptions,
stigmatization or not knowing what can be done, are not options.
That’s not the role or true identity of the Church.
We exalt Christ by serving one another, feeding the hungry, clothing the
naked, caring for the sick, comforting those who are alone and educating those
who lack knowledge.
We have not yet been absolved of or relieved of our roles.
Sitting in pews and pulpits, or in our homes is not an option. Allowing
those who have been figuratively chained to the tombstones in society, to live
and die amongst the tombs is not an option. Waiting for somebody else to handle
the problem is not an option.
One is
either part of the solution, or part of the problem.
Support the G20 Game Plan.
Completing an HIV test is the first step in getting to zero.
Many people do not get tested for HIV infection status because of fear,
misconceptions about who the virus infects or lack of understanding of how
infection leads to AIDS.
HIV, as a relatively fragile virus, can be transmitted by direct
contact only with any one of four body fluids that allow virus survival. These
are blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.
People who are not tested do not know if HIV already is sequestered away
in the body or if they are HIV-free and must act purposefully to remain
infection-free. The first individual action to take control is to “complete
voluntary counseling and test (VCT)” to know the HIV infection status.
It's time
to turn the tide. Learn how. Resolve to act to move forward in eliminating
HIV/AIDS! First step-- get tested!
For
local testing sites in the USA, go to the CDC on-line resource: http://hivtest.cdc.gov/
*Guest
contributor, the Rev Terri L. Silas, is pastor of New St John AME Church in
Chandler, Arizona in the 5th Episcopal District. She is a Master of
Divinity student at Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.
*The
Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor in Microbiology and
Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School and Adjunct Faculty at
Payne Seminary. She was pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, Michigan for
seven years before primarily focusing on global HIV/AIDS ministry. Currently,
she serves at Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, MI in the 4th
Episcopal District while continuing HIV/AIDS research in parts of Zambia and
the USA.
11. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
CHURCHES LEADERS EXPRESS HEARTACHE AT SHOOTINGS IN SIKH GURDWARA:
New York, August 6, 2012 – Leaders of the National Council of Churches
expressed shock Sunday at the “tragedy of violence” in Oak Creek, Wis., where a
gunman opened fire in a Sikh temple, killing at least seven worshippers and
injuring three others.
Local police, who described the incident as “an act of domestic
terrorism,” shot and killed the alleged gunman in the temple parking lot.
National Council of Churches President Kathryn Lohre expressed heart
ache for the Sikh community in Wisconsin and across the country.
“As children of God, we mourn the tragedy of violence wherever it
occurs, whether in a movie theater or a house of prayer,” Lohre said Sunday
night.
“We pray for healing and wholeness for all effected by today’s events
and stand in solidarity with our Sikh brothers and sisters in this frightening
time,” Lohre said.
Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, NCC associate general secretary, Faith &
Order and Interfaith Relations, said, "While it is difficult to know what
was in the mind of the attacker, it would seem that it was the same mix of
fear, ignorance, and bigotry that fuels all violence against individuals or
communities of faith. It is our prayer that such acts of terrorism - for they
are in fact terrorist acts - become less and less frequent, and indeed come to
an end, as our society becomes more and more vigilant in educating one another
on what it truly means to live as neighbors of one another.
"We can never stop such acts," Kireopoulos said. "We can
always do more to foster understanding and respect."
Sikhs originated in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century.
Nearly 20 million Sikhs live in India and members of the religion live all over
the world. There are about 1.3 million Sikhs in the United States and Canada.
Male Sikhs are recognizable by the turban they wear to cover their
hair. Women may wear a turban or cover their head with a scarf. Sikhs are known
for their devotion to peace, their belief that all persons are equal, and their
belief in one God.
12. NAACP CONGRATULATES GABRIELLE
DOUGLAS ON HER SUCCESS AT THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON:
Douglas earned two gold medals and became the first African American
and fourth American to win the women’s all-around gymnastic event
(Baltimore, MD) – The NAACP has released the following statement
congratulating gymnast Gabby Douglas for her groundbreaking achievements during
the 2012 London Olympics:
“The NAACP congratulates 16-year-old Gabby Douglas for her historic
gymnastics performance and achievement during the 30th Olympic games in
London,” stated Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of
Directors. “Gabby’s story and success is
an inspiration for girls of color who are working tirelessly each day to
achieve their goals. We look forward to
her continued success and welcome her as a beacon for those who wish to follow
in her footsteps.”
Gabby Douglas is the latest in an ever-growing list of successful
African-American female Olympians, including Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Wilma
Rudolph, Sheryl Swoopes, Dominique Dawes, Alice Coachman, Althea Gibson, Sanya
Richards-Ross, and Venus and Serena Williams.
These women and so many others have broken barriers for not only women
of color, but athletes around the world.
“Women of color have shaped the history of sports on the international
stage since Alice Coachman became the first black woman to earn a gold medal in
1948,” noted Brock. “Gabby is part of
the next generation of history makers and will serve as a role model for
millions of young women with a dream and the drive to succeed.”
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.
13. LOUISVILLE INSTITUTE
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS TO BENEFIT CHURCHES IN NORTH
AMERICA:
Posted on
August 7, 2012
Deadline:
October 1, 2012
The Louisville Institute offers the Project Grants for
Researchers Program in support of research, reflection, and writing by academics
and pastors that can contribute to the life of churches in North America.
The program is designed to support projects that
can contribute to an enhanced understanding of important issues concerning
Christian faith and life, pastoral leadership, and/or religious institutions.
Projects might include short-term periods of research; consultations about
one's research involving pastors and academics; or innovative projects that
promise to strengthen the church. Particularly attractive to the Louisville
Institute are projects that involve both academics and pastors in genuinely
collaborative inquiry. All funded projects should involve substantial
opportunity for learning that will benefit the church.
Proposed research projects may employ a variety
of methodological perspectives, including but not limited to historical,
systematic, and practical theology; the social sciences; history; ethics; or
biblical studies. They may also be interdisciplinary in nature. All applicants
should make clear how their project will contribute to the life of churches in
North America.
Louisville Institute grant programs are open to
both academic and pastoral leaders. Applicants must have earned the terminal
degree in their chosen vocation (e.g., M.Div., Ph.D., Th.D). For pastors, this
is typically the Master of Divinity degree; for academics it is usually the
Ph.D. or Th.D.
Grant amounts will not exceed $25,000.
Visit the Louisville Institute Web site for
complete program guidelines and application procedures.
Click on the link below
Link to Complete RFP -- or paste the following address in your browser --- http://www.louisville-institute.org/Grants/programs/pgfrdetail.aspx
Primary Subject: Religion
Geographic Funding Area: National
Geographic Funding Area: National
14.
VETERAN AFFAIRS CHAPLAIN POSITIONS OPEN IN LOS ANGELES:
Chaplain Sam
Adamson, of the VA Medical Center in Los Angeles has announced that there are
part-time positions open at the Chaplain Service in Los Angeles, California.
If you are
interested in working with veterans and their families, this may be for you. To
be considered for full or part time employment you must be on the VA register.
Begin the process immediately by making application on the government website
(it will take several days to complete): https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login.
And, of course you must be endorsed by the AME Church. Bishop Julius H.
McAllister is serving the Endorsing Agent for the African Methodist Episcopal
Church.
If you have
questions call Chaplain Adamson at the number below:
Samuel F. Adamson,
Chief, Chaplain Service VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
11301 Wilshire Blvd, Bldg 500
Los Angeles, CA 90073
Office telephone: 310-268-4676 or 83391
Mobile: 310-597-9910
15. PRAISE REPORT: SISTER BARBARA P. HAMPTON
It's Official, Sister Barbara P. Hampton of Tulsa, Oklahoma who has been in
Nashville General Hospital at Meharry Medical College since July 3rd
has been transferred to a Tulsa Hospital.
We thank God for your prayers and for her continued
healing.
Please continue to pray for Sister Hampton and the
Hampton family. Your emails are much appreciated.
The Rev. Dennis J. Hampton
P O Box 480901
Tulsa, OK 74148
Cell: 918-809-3487
Email: PastorHampton@aol.com
16. MEDITATION ~BASED ON JOHN 14:1-7:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A.
Darby
I have the pleasure of
being this week’s Revival speaker at Turner Memorial AME Church in West
Columbia, South Carolina and have spent some of my "down time"
visiting friends and riding around in my hometown.
Doing so has reminded me
that Columbia has evolved in the fourteen years since I moved to
Charleston. Old neighborhoods have
changed and new ones have been built.
Familiar stores, schools and other landmarks have been demolished and
replaced by new ones, and what used to be wooded, rural areas are now bustling
suburbs.
Columbia has expanded,
modernized and changed since the days of my youth, but I have no trouble
finding my way around town. The
buildings and landmarks are different and some of the roads have been widened,
but the basic layout of the streets is still the same. I don't get lost because I was born in and
lived in Columbia for most of my life.
My “roots” are still there and still remember where each road will take
me.
When we grow and are
rooted in Christ just as we grow and are rooted in the places of our youth, we
can navigate life with the same kind of confidence that enables me to navigate
the streets of my hometown. We live in a
world that constantly changes. From
technology to the economy to our customs to our relationships, life sometimes
puts us through changes as we simply try to keep up and cope. We can easily lose our way in a world of
varying and sometimes dangerous choices that look new and inviting but can
often leave us feeling lost, confused and frustrated.
Knowing and believing in
Christ, however, keeps us rooted, grounded and in touch with The God who always
cares for us, always provides for us and never leads us wrong. When Christ is our Savior, comforter and
guide we can face each new day with confidence, even in a world of changes.
We can navigate life’s
roads and find victory, knowing that in a world of choices and changes where we
can easily lose our way, the Jesus who said, "I am the Way, the Truth and
the Life" will lead us over familiar roads of faith and determination to
new and wonderful blessings.
If you are in the
Charleston, South Carolina area us on the Second Sunday in August for Church
School at 9:45 am and for Worship at 8 am and 11 am. The Combined Choir, Gospel Choir, Children’s
Choir and Young Adult Choir will offer praise.
Sunday’s Scripture
Lessons are:
II Samuel 6:12-22
Jude 17-24
Luke 17:11-19
Sunday’s Sermons are:
8 am - “We Ought to Give
God Glory”
11 am – “We Ought to
Praise the Lord”
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A.
Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
17. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Mrs. Ella Belle Richardson Couch, Minister’s
Widow in the Tennessee Conference of the Thirteenth Episcopal District,
Celebrates 102nd Birthday
Mrs. Ella Belle
Richardson Couch, widow of the late Reverend W. T. Couch of the Tennessee
Annual Conference, 13th Episcopal District, celebrated her 102nd
birthday on Thursday, August 2, 2012.
Mrs. Couch is currently
the oldest member of St. Peter's African Methodist Episcopal Church,
Clarksville, Tennessee. She continues to
play the organ at the church located at 518 Franklin Street, as she has done
for fifty plus years. Every Sunday morning finds her pulling herself up the
long banister staircase at St. Peter's AME Church to reach her appointed
destination at the organ. The Reverend Dennis D. Lawson I is her pastor; the
Reverend Robert E. Keesee, North Nashville District, Tennessee Annual
Conference, is her Presiding Elder; and the Right Reverend Jeffrey Nathaniel
Leath is the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District.
Mrs. Ella B. Couch takes
pride in being a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and
a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society. She served as president of the
Tennessee Conference Women's Missionary Society during the Administration of
Bishop Carey Abraham Gibbs. She is an active member of the Irene McKinnon
Missionary Society and the Lay Organization. She served the members of the
community by transporting them to various hospitals and doctors' appointment
until she stopped driving just a few years ago. Because she served others, the
members of the community and the church hold her in high esteem.
During the active
ministry of her husband, the Late Presiding Elder W. T. Couch, Mrs. Ella B.
Couch, served as mentor to the younger ministers' wives. On scheduled occasions, she would invite the
younger wives of the AME ministers in the Clarksville, Tennessee area to her
home to teach them AME Protocol, appropriate etiquette for first ladies, how to
fold linen and how to host Presiding
Bishops and Episcopal Supervisors in a day when hotels and restaurants were not
available to African Americans.
Belated Happy Birthday
to Mrs. Ella Belle Richardson Couch! Belated birthday cards and well wishes can
be sent to:
Mrs. Ella B. Couch
722 Main Street
Clarksville TN 37040
Phone: (931) 645-6965
- Wedding Bells are Ringing and its Festivities,
the Rev. Faith and the Rev. Paul Mugala, Sr., Kitwe, Zambia, 17th
Episcopal District
It is indeed with great excitement
and gratitude to God through our Lord and Savior for what He keeps doing in us
individually & collectively. Last year about this time on Saturday August
6th, 2011, the Rev. Faith and I as parents, announced the wedding of our oldest
twin-daughter Elizabeth Chiwanza Mugala-DaCosta; a blessed union between the
Mugala & DaCosta families.
On, Saturday August
11th, 2012 in Kitwe, Zambia, there is what we call a Bridal Shower for our
second twin-daughter Mary Nachamba Mugala ... back home this is popularly known
as a "Kitchen Party." As it is done here, female friends and family
only attend it. A number of things happen around this time prior to the wedding
on both the bride and groom’s side of the family, including festivities such as
where the bride's family prepares a food cuisine - assorted dishes for the
groom and his family. This event is happening in Kitwe, Zambia led by the
mother, the Rev. Faith Mugala. This is when a more contracted time is taken for
training in the bride about all sorts of marriage expectations - behavior,
relationships, including how to treat the husband, vice-versa for the groom,
except for food cuisine, which is only done by the bride's family for the groom
and his family.
The Wedding is on
Saturday August 18th, 2012. Please pray for the Malengas and the Mugalas for
God through Jesus Christ our Lord to bless this Union according to His Riches
& Glory.
Love, Peace, & Joy
The Rev. Faith & the
Rev. Paul Mugala, Sr.
- The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor and the Rev. Dr.
Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor will celebrate their 50th Wedding
Anniversary
The Rev. Dr. Calvin H.
Sydnor and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor will celebrate their 50th
Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, August 18, 2012. They were married on Saturday August 18, 1962
at St. James AME Church in Danville, Kentucky. The Rev. Charles E. Blake, the
father of the bride and pastor of St. James conducted the wedding ceremony,
accompanied by the Rev. W. L. Gaddy, Presiding Elder of the Danville-Frankfort
District. The Rev. Ralph Boyd Smith,
then a little boy and now the pastor of St. Peter AME Church in Harrodsburg,
Kentucky was the ring-bearer.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Namibia Annual
Conference, 15th Episcopal District is sad to report the passing of
the Rev Hans Petersen on August 8, 2012. He was a seasoned Local Elder at the
St Marks AME Church, Gibeon. He made,
and is leaving visible footprints, as pastor and community leader!
The Rev Jonas Nakhom is
the pastor and the Rev Penias E Topnaar is the presiding Elder of the Gibeon
District!
Enquiries and condolences:
Presiding Elder Penias E
Topnaar
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to
announce the passing of Sister Joan White. Sister White was the sister-in-law of
the Rev. Mae H. Smith, pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church-Mineral Wells, Texas
(Greater Fort Worth District, the Rev. Johnny Ray Mitchell-Presiding
Elder-Northwest Texas Conference).
Sister White's Memorial
Service was held Wednesday, August 8, 2012 in Roanoke, Virginia.
Condolences may be sent
to:
Mr. Joseph White
2901 Neil Drive
Roanoke, VA 24019
Or
The Rev. Mae H. Smith
P. O. Box 8253
Fort Worth, Texas 76124
Ph: (817) 966-8295
Email: nana5one@msn.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to
announce the passing of Brother Thomas Reown; Sr. Bro. Thomas was the brother
of the Rev. Oliver Reown, pastor of Baker Chapel AME Church-Big Springs, Texas
(Greater Fort Worth District, the Rev. Johnny Ray Mitchell Presiding
Elder-Northwest Texas Annual Conference).
Professional Services
have been entrusted to:
Wilds Daughter Home for
Funerals
130 N. Merriman Road
Georgetown, South
Carolina 29440
Ph: (843) 546-6901
The Viewing was held on Wednesday,
August 8, 2012
The Homegoing
Celebration was held on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at the Cumberland AME Church
in Georgetown, South Carolina.
Condolences may be sent
to:
The Rev. Oliver and the
Rev. Tarra Reown & Family
5969 E. FM 825
Waxahachie, Texas 75167
Telephone: (972)
921-1817
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to
announce the passing of Mrs. Laura Wallace, the sister-in-law of Evangelist
Tina Wallace-Ray. Evangelist Tina is a member of St. James AME Church-Fort
Worth, Texas (The Rev. Damon Blakeley, Sr., Greater Fort Worth District, Rev.
Johnny Ray Mitchell, Presiding Elder-Northwest Texas Conference).
The following
information has been shared regarding Visitation and Homegoing Celebration for
Mrs. Laura Wallace:
Homegoing Celebration
was held on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the Fellowship Baptist Church in
Joplin, Missouri.
Condolences may be sent
to:
Mr. John Wallace, III,
Addison & Anna
4041 Jakes Circle
Joplin, Missouri 64804
Or
Evangelist Tina
Wallace-Ray
1300 Darlene Lane
Arlington, TX 76010
Telephone: (817)
793-3348
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you
of the passing of Sister Anne M. White, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Carey G.
Anderson, Pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church Seattle,
Washington. Mrs. Anne M. White, 93 yrs young, passed at home on Saturday,
August 4, 2012.
The Funeral service for
Sister Anne M. White:
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
at 11:00 AM
First AME Church,
Oakland, CA
The physical address of
the church is:
3701 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
Phone: (510) 655-1527
Fax: (510 655-1521
The mailing address of
the church is:
First AME Church
530 37th
Street
Oakland, CA 94609
Contact information for
the Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson:
First African Methodist
Episcopal Church
The Rev. Dr. Carey Anderson,
Pastor
1522 14th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 324-3664
Fax (206) 324-0622
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you
of the passing of Mrs. Joyce Brock Cal, mother of the Rev. Reginald Brock and
mother-in-law of Mrs. Gladys Harvey Brock, Pastor and First Lady at St. Matthew
AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs.
Joyce Brock Cal passed on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 after an extended illness.
She is the grandmother of Ashleigh Brock currently residing in Memphis,
Tennessee.
Mrs. Cal was a life-long
member of Greater St. Paul AME Church in Florence, Alabama where her daughter,
Regina Brock and grandson Justin are members.
The funeral service for
Mrs. Joyce Brock Cal was held on Friday, August 10, 2012 at the Thompson and
Sons Funeral Home Chapel.
Expressions of
condolence may be sent to:
The Reverend Reginald
Brock
805 Travis Spring Drive
Madison, Tennessee 37115
Telephone: (615)
851-4768
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please lift up in prayer
the Rev. Gayle Davis-Culp, pastor of Holy Trinity AME Church in Long Beach,
California in the loss of her sister, Mrs. Debra Verrett, on Friday, August 3rd
following an extended illness.
The service for Mrs.
Debra Verrett will be held:
Saturday, August 18,
2012, 10:00 a.m.
Holy Trinity AME Church
200 East 68th Street
Long Beach, CA 90805
Services are entrusted
to:
Simpson Family Mortuary
5443 Long Beach Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90805
Telephone: 562) 513-1210
FAX: (562-513-1218
Expressions of sympathy
may be sent to:
The Rev. Gayle
Davis-Culp and Family
1845 Saragossa Street
Pomona, CA 91768
Phone: (909) 635-4172
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce
the passing of David L. Wiley, the brother of the Rev. Kary Williams, Jr., pastor
of Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Duquesne, Pennsylvania.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. -
11:00 a.m.
The Funeral Service was
held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at the True Vine Holiness Deliverance Temple
in Houston, Texas.
Expressions of Sympathy
can be sent to:
The Reverend Kary
Williams, Jr.
603 Priscilla Avenue
Duquesne, Pennsylvania
15110
Telephone: 937-902-1031
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley,
Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family
Information Center
Phone: (615) 837-9736
(H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936
(O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
27. 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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